“He’s very ready,” said Chris Smith, Jeremiah Smith’s father, following on his son ranking the No. 1 prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft by 247Sports. Jeremiah Smith, a highly praised wide receiver, has become a cornerstone of Ohio State’s football program. The support and guidance of his parents have been instrumental in his journey.

Many factors influenced Jeremiah’s decision to join Ohio State, including the strong football legacy and the promise of development under a great coach, Ryan Day. His parents played a crucial role, not only in supporting his athletic ambitions but also in ensuring he made a well-rounded decision that balanced both sports and personal growth.

Who are Jeremiah Smith’s parents?

Lativia Newberry and Christopher Smith form the heart of Jeremiah’s support system. According to his Ohio State roster bio, they are his mother and father respectively.

Lativia competed in track and field during her middle and high school years, giving her a firsthand appreciation of athletic discipline. Christopher, originally from South Florida with Bahamian influence, runs a moving company as well as a commercial and residential cleaning business. 

Their family extends beyond Jeremiah: he has an older brother, Christopher; an older sister, Jade; and a younger brother, Angelo. While his mother maintains a lower public profile, his father is an entrepreneur and hands-on mentoring of his son highlights the family’s work ethic. Though not every detail of their charitable or community involvement is widely publicised, the Smiths’ emphasis on service, character and opportunity in south Florida shows in Jeremiah’s own outreach and humility.

Where did Lativia Newberry and Christopher Smith meet?

Publicly-available records do not give a detailed narrative of how, when or where Lativia Newberry and Christopher Smith first met. Most sources focus on their backgrounds rather than their courtship. What we do know: both hail from south Florida regions and share athletic or community roots in the area. 

Given Christopher’s early years in South Florida and Lativia’s track background in the same broader region, it’s plausible their paths converged during their youth, perhaps through high-school athletics, church functions, local community events or mutual social circles. Over time, their partnership evolved into a marriage and family life that set the stage for Jeremiah’s rise. Though we lack specifics like the spot or year they met, their shared values, regional roots and commitment to family suggest the foundation of their relationship has been strong and stable.

What ethnicity are Jeremiah Smith’s parents?

Lativia Newberry and Christopher Smith are both American nationals based in Florida, and their ethnicity is identified as African-American with Bahamian heritage on Christopher’s side. Christopher acknowledges his Bahamian influence and his father’s roots, while Lativia, through her track participation and regional context, is part of the African-American athletic community. 

Their identity and culture are woven into Jeremiah’s upbringing, respect, community, hard work and contribute to how he views his role not just as a player, but as a representative of his family and heritage.

Inside Jeremiah Smith’s Relationship with His Parents

From day one, Jeremiah’s relationship with his parents has been grounded in mentorship and mutual respect. His dad, Christopher, often says he saw Jeremiah’s commitment as early as age nine or ten, and that childhood observation guided how he coached and supported him. 

His mother, Lativia, did the quieter, but no less vital—work of keeping the home, academics and daily rhythm steady. Together, they celebrated wins and navigated challenges, reminding Jeremiah that success demands both effort and humility. He often credits them when asked about his mindset and motivation.

Lativia Newberry and Christopher Smith laid the groundwork for the values, the environment and the belief so that Jeremiah Smith could chase his dreams with clarity and fire. Their partnership stands strong, their family anchored in unity and intention. As Jeremiah continues to shine on national stages, his parents remain his steadfast base. Their relationship isn’t just about parenting; it’s about shared purpose, respect and the quiet confidence of a house built on teamwork. In the world of football stars and flash, the Smith family tells a different story: one subtle, steady, powerful.