They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. For Ben Coleman, a graduate offensive lineman for Sun Devil Football, the saying rings true.
Half of Ben’s immediate family tree is firmly planted in football. His father, Ben Coleman Sr., was an offensive lineman who played four years at Wake Forest. He then had a nine-year career in the NFL with Jacksonville, San Diego, Washington, and the Arizona Cardinals, who, coincidentally, played at Sun Devil Stadium at the time.
The other side of Ben’s family tree has its roots planted firmly at Arizona State University. Ben’s mother, Krista Coleman, and all of her siblings are Sun Devils for life. It’s no secret that sunshine runs deep in the family's veins, so it was only slightly heartbreaking when Ben chose to go to California straight out of high school instead of donning the Maroon and Gold.
“My siblings were devastated,” recalled Krista from the sidelines of the intrasquad scrimmage at Camp Tontozona. “But Ben said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll come back around,” Krista said with a big smile.
Krista’s smile got even bigger. “Then he asked, ‘How do I get to ASU faster?’”
After those six semesters at Cal, Ben made good on his promise. Through hard work in the classroom, just as he works hard on the field, Ben graduated with a degree in media studies from Cal in three years. It’s no easy feat to accomplish, especially as a student-athlete in such a physically demanding and time-consuming sport.
When it came time to make the announcement to his family that he was ready to make the move to ASU, and a year ahead of schedule, nonetheless, Krista was more than happy to tell the story.
“At his graduation dinner, he surprised everyone and said, ‘I won't be getting my master's from Cal. I'll be getting my master's at ASU.’ We were so happy that my brothers literally ran around the table in the restaurant. People didn't know what was happening!” she said, replaying the moment in her head and laughing.
Ben in Maroon and Gold
Although an injury kept him off the field in 2023, Ben’s 2024 season was one to remember. He didn’t allow a single sack all season and became a Big 12 champion. He also became an NFL Draft hopeful.
Ben’s odds of being drafted are not a sure thing, but it is also a possibility. Sports Illustrated has included him in its list of Arizona State’s NFL Draft prospects, but lists him as a Wild Card while also calling him “incredibly dependable.” But then again, SI also thinks Ben would be a great fit with former Sun Devil teammate Cam Skattebo on the New York Giants. ESPN, meanwhile, projects Ben to be drafted on day three in 2026.
What happens on draft day is anybody’s guess.
“The draft is such a rare opportunity,” Krista said. “But Ben knows what he’s up against. Very few will be drafted. Very few will have an opportunity to play.”
Spoken like the best supportive mother anyone could ask for, Krista added, “But we're happy either way, no matter what happens.”
“With his dad playing nine years in the league himself, more than anything, we realize his education is going to be the most important thing.
From left to right, Krista Coleman, Ben Coleman Jr., Gabi Hernandez (Ben's fiance) and Ben Coleman Sr. pose for a family photo at the conlusion of the Maroon and Gold scrimmage at Camp Tontozona on August 9, 2025.
Academics come into formation
While she’s proud of every minute Ben is on the field, Krista is just as proud of her son’s academic achievements. As a graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication herself, she knows firsthand that Ben is getting a top-notch education.
“We’ve always told him to be ready to play in the league or in the real world. Either way, you’ll be prepared,” said Krista.
Prepared, however, might be an understatement. Not only does Ben have a degree in media studies from Cal, but he has also already earned a master’s degree in communication from ASU, and is currently pursuing a second master's in digital communication
“Football is a blessing, but education is forever. He’s prepared for whatever God has planned, whether that’s the NFL or another path. That’s all we ever wanted for him.”
Walking this path at Arizona State, for the Coleman family, is just the icing on the cake. From cheering for him at Cal to watching him run out of the Tillman Tunnel at her alma mater, Krista has seen her son’s journey come full circle and she’s savoring every moment.
“I loved ASU before,” she said with unmistakable pride. “But now? Now it’s in my heart in a whole new way.”
Have a Sun Devil story to share? Fork it over to Meredith Cunningham, Digital Content Manager for sundevils.com, at mcunni43@asu.edu.