Somewhere in Miami Gardens, Florida, there existed a teenage boy named Jeremiah Smith. Well, he is a result of a mix of Bahamian roots, the sport of his youth, and endless support from family members.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the boy had become one of the phenoms of Ohio State University in his freshman season. The athlete gained an amazing collegiate fandom with gridiron marks yet to be broken. Let us now see how the Smith family stands behind Jeremiah’s meteoric rise.
The Family Behind Ohio State Breakout Star, Jeremiah Smith
Christopher Smith, Jeremiah’s father, is a hardheaded man. Having spent his early life in South Florida, he has a heavy Bahamian influence. Chris himself never knew the presence of a stable father figure. However, it was something that he always made sure of in his children.
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He has his own moving business and also a commercial and residential cleaning business. Chris’s athletic background is also pretty impressive. His uncle, Danny Smith, was a national champion hurdler and Bahamian Olympian. On the other side, another uncle, Yama Bahama, had a highly regarded boxing career, even getting to spar with Muhammad Ali.
Jeremiah’s mother, Lativia Newberry, also contributes her own athletic heritage to the family. A school track and field athlete, Lativia has the sense of discipline needed in sports. However, she would not like to be in the limelight much.
Chris once remarked, “I’ve seen it from him since he was 9 or 10,” highlighting Jeremiah’s early dedication to football.
Jeremiah isn’t the only athlete in the Smith household. His younger brother, Angelo Smith, is a promising prospect in the class of 2027.
Angelo plays both wide receiver and defensive back. He has already received offers from colleges like Miami, Akron, and Toledo. He confidently states, “I feel like I’m gonna be a better player than him,” referring to his older brother.
The sporting prowess of the Smith family goes further than its football-dominated reputation; Jeremiah is also the cousin of NFL quarterback Geno Smith.
Jeremiah’s Journey From High School Star to College Sensation
At Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School, Jeremiah’s ability was realized. As a senior, he had 88 receptions for 1,376 yards and 19 touchdowns. This also guided his team to a perfect 14-0 season and state championship.
His high school career was capped with such honors as the Maxwell Award High School Player of the Year and the Nat Moore Trophy.
KEEP READING: ‘The Next One Up’ — Ohio State Standout WR Jeremiah Smith Hypes Up a Buckeyes Freshman, Labels Him a Future Star
Simplifying to Ohio State, Jeremiah had an immediate impact. On his first outing at Akron, he recorded six catches for 92 yards with two scores.
As a freshman, it was sensational with 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 scores with FBS true freshman marks. He was rewarded with the recognition of Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-American awards for it.
In the 2025 Rose Bowl, Jeremiah’s MVP effort, with seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns, helped Ohio State to their 41-21 win over Oregon.
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