Kentucky football’s offensive line makeover continues with Ohio State transfer
Less than a week after losing two projected reserve offensive linemen to the transfer portal, Kentucky football has boosted its depth at the position again.
Former Ohio State lineman Ben Christman, a former four-star recruit, committed to the Wildcats on Sunday. Christman played in just one game across two seasons at Ohio State but was projected to serve as a backup guard for the Buckeyes this fall before entering the transfer portal. 247Sports ranked Christman as the No. 7 interior lineman in the high school class of 2021.
Christman’s commitment comes after offensive tackles David Wohlabaugh and Deondre Buford entered the transfer portal just before the close of the April transfer window. He is the fourth offensive lineman to join the roster via the portal this offseason, following Northern Illinois tackle Marques Cox, Alabama guard Tanner Bowles and Southern Cal transfer Courtland Ford.
While Christman played guard primarily at Ohio State, he is expected to see time at both guard and tackle for Kentucky.
At least four starting spots on the 2022 offensive line look locked in with Cox at left tackle, Kenneth Horsey at left guard, Jager Burton at center and Eli Cox at right guard. Ford is the favorite to start at right tackle, but Christman could compete for that spot if he proves capable of playing the position in Liam Coen’s offense. Bowles and Jeremy Flax, who started at right tackle for Kentucky last season, should provide added depth with room for someone from the returning group of Grant Bingham, Nik Hall, Josh Jones and Paul Rodriguez to break into the rotation for the first time.
Kentucky has added nine players in the transfer portal this offseason. Mark Stoops and company are still recruiting transfers at multiple other positions, including inside linebacker and safety.
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