Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Lathan Ransom is an American professional football player who plays safety for the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League (NFL). Beyond his achievements on the football field, fans are interested in learning about Lathan Ransom’s family, girlfriend, wife, children, parents, and siblings.
Ransom comes from an athletic family in Tucson, Arizona. His parents are Nathan Ransom and Linda Blanco Ransom, while his younger sister is Jalynn Ransom, a former college volleyball player.
His father played college football and worked as a fire department captain, while his mother was an accomplished basketball and softball player.
In his romantic life, Ransom previously dated Kaity Woods, a former high school softball player. However, their current relationship status has not been publicly confirmed.
Who Is Lathan Ransom?
Lathan Ransom was born on July 16, 2002, in Tucson, Arizona, United States.
He attended Salpointe Catholic High School, where he became one of Arizona’s most highly recruited football players.
During his high school career, Ransom played safety, wide receiver, and special teams positions, demonstrating impressive athletic versatility.
His performances earned him scholarship offers from several major college football programs, including Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas, and Alabama.
He ultimately committed to Ohio State University, where he played for the Buckeyes from 2020 through the 2024 season.
During his college career, Ransom developed into one of the team’s leading defensive players and earned First-Team All-Big Ten recognition in 2024.
He also helped Ohio State win the College Football Playoff National Championship following the 2024 season.
The Carolina Panthers selected Ransom in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 122nd overall pick.
As of now, he plays safety for Carolina and wears jersey number 22.
Lathan Ransom Family Background
Lathan Ransom grew up in Tucson, Arizona, in a family with a strong athletic and military background.
His father, Nathan Ransom, previously played football at Mount San Antonio College in California before entering military service.
His mother, Linda Blanco Ransom, was a standout basketball and softball player at Sahuarita High School.
Ransom also grew up alongside his younger sister, Jalynn, who pursued competitive volleyball.
According to a September 2018 AllSportsTucson interview, both parents emphasized discipline, education, responsibility, and respect.
They were also actively involved in their children’s athletic development, frequently attending games and serving as youth sports coaches.
The family’s sporting background helped create the competitive environment that influenced Lathan’s football career.
Lathan Ransom Girlfriend: Who Is Kaity Woods?
Lathan Ransom was previously in a publicly documented relationship with Kaity Woods.
Woods was identified as his girlfriend in a December 9, 2020, feature published by AZPreps365.
According to that interview, the couple met during the summer before their senior year of high school.
At the time, Ransom was a highly regarded football player at Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson.
Meanwhile, Kaity Woods played softball for Horizon High School in Phoenix, Arizona.
After completing high school, Woods attended the University of Arizona, while Ransom moved to Columbus, Ohio, to begin his college football career.
Despite the geographical distance, Woods explained in the interview that they continued supporting each other.
How Did Lathan Ransom Meet Kaity Woods?
According to the 2020 AZPreps365 interview, Lathan Ransom and Kaity Woods met during the summer before their final year of high school.
Woods recalled that Ransom already had a strong reputation as a football player when they first met.
She described him as responsible, hardworking, and highly committed to his athletic goals.
The couple began their relationship before Ransom enrolled at Ohio State.
When he moved to Ohio for college football, Woods remained in Arizona to continue her education.
Although they attended universities in different states, she continued expressing support for his football ambitions.
Is Kaity Woods Still Lathan Ransom’s Girlfriend?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Lathan Ransom and Kaity Woods are still dating.
Their relationship was documented in December 2020, but more recent reliable reports have not established whether they remained together.
Ransom has generally maintained privacy concerning his romantic relationships during his professional football career.
Therefore, Kaity Woods should be described as his previously reported girlfriend rather than his confirmed current partner.
Is Lathan Ransom Married? Who Is His Wife?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Lathan Ransom is married.
His official Ohio State University biography and Carolina Panthers player profile do not identify a wife.
Furthermore, credible sports publications have not documented a wedding or marriage announcement involving the NFL safety.
Although Ransom previously dated Kaity Woods, no reliable public source confirms that they married.
Until credible confirmation becomes available, his marital status remains publicly unconfirmed.
Lathan Ransom Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, Lathan Ransom has no publicly confirmed children.
There are no reliable public reports identifying any sons or daughters, and Ransom has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
Most publicly available information about his family focuses on his parents, sister, and athletic upbringing.
Consequently, whether he has children remains unknown.
Lathan Ransom Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Lathan Ransom’s parents are Nathan Ransom and Linda Blanco Ransom.
Their identities are confirmed by Ohio State University’s official football biography and several interviews with Arizona sports publications.
Both parents were accomplished athletes and have been closely involved in their son’s football development.
Lathan Ransom Father: Nathan Ransom
Nathan Ransom is Lathan Ransom’s father, a former college football player and military veteran.
Nathan grew up in Southern California, where he developed a passion for football and became a talented running back.
He later attended Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, and continued playing football.
After college, Nathan entered military service and was stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.
He subsequently worked in firefighting, eventually becoming captain of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Fire Department.
His military and firefighting experiences influenced his approach to discipline, responsibility, and leadership.
These values became important aspects of Lathan’s upbringing.
How Did Nathan Ransom Influence His Son’s Football Career?
Nathan Ransom played an important role in developing Lathan’s football abilities from childhood.
When Lathan began playing youth football at approximately six years old, Nathan helped coach him and taught him the fundamentals of the sport.
According to a February 2020 Eleven Warriors interview, Nathan regularly reviewed recordings of his son’s youth football games.
He used those videos to explain mistakes, improve technique, and help Lathan understand defensive responsibilities.
Nathan also coached youth football teams in Tucson, including the Vikings and Falcons.
In a January 2025 interview before Ohio State’s national championship game against Notre Dame, Lathan credited his father with developing his physical playing style.
He explained that Nathan taught him to approach contact confidently and compete aggressively.
These childhood lessons helped shape the defensive mentality that eventually became part of Ransom’s reputation at Ohio State and in the NFL.
Lathan Ransom Mother: Linda Blanco Ransom
Linda Blanco Ransom is Lathan Ransom’s mother and a former basketball and softball standout.
She grew up in Sahuarita, Arizona, where she became one of the most accomplished athletes in Sahuarita High School history.
During her high school basketball career, Linda scored 1,383 points and set a single-season record with 441 points.
She also excelled in softball, establishing herself among the school’s leading players in several statistical categories.
After graduating from high school, she continued playing basketball at Pima Community College.
Her outstanding athletic achievements earned her induction into the Sahuarita High School Hall of Fame in December 2004.
Linda was inducted alongside her father, Javier Blanco, who had also been an accomplished high school athlete.
What Does Linda Ransom Do?
Besides her athletic background, Linda Ransom has professional experience in social work and helping young people.
According to a November 2021 Eleven Warriors report, Lathan’s mother worked in the social work field.
Earlier interviews also documented her experience working at a juvenile detention center in Tucson.
Her professional experiences encouraged her to teach her children about responsibility and the consequences of their decisions.
Linda’s commitment to helping others also influenced Lathan’s charitable activities.
In November 2021, he volunteered at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, explaining that his mother’s work inspired him to support families in need.
Her current professional position has not been independently confirmed.
Lathan Ransom Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Lathan Ransom has one publicly documented younger sister named Jalynn Ransom.
Her identity is confirmed by several Arizona sports publications, including AllSportsTucson and the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s AZPreps365 website.
Like Lathan, Jalynn attended Salpointe Catholic High School and pursued a competitive athletic career.
Lathan Ransom Sister: Jalynn Ransom
Jalynn Ransom is Lathan Ransom’s younger sister and a former college volleyball player.
She attended Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, where she competed in indoor and beach volleyball.
During her high school career, Jalynn became a four-year varsity volleyball player and contributed to multiple championship-winning teams.
In October 2021, she committed to continuing her volleyball career at Pima Community College.
She subsequently played volleyball for the Pima Aztecs.
According to her coaching biography at Tucson Beach Volleyball, Jalynn later became involved in coaching younger players.
Her experience includes working with Zona Volleyball Club and returning to Salpointe Catholic as a volleyball coach.
Her coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, commitment, confidence, and helping young athletes develop their abilities.
How Close Are Lathan Ransom and His Sister?
Lathan Ransom and Jalynn Ransom grew up in a family that emphasized athletic competition and mutual support.
Both attended Salpointe Catholic High School and competed in their respective sports.
In a 2018 family interview published by AllSportsTucson, their parents discussed their efforts to provide Lathan and Jalynn with strong values and opportunities.
Jalynn also publicly acknowledged her older brother during a 2021 volleyball interview, referencing his football career at Ohio State.
Although the siblings have pursued different sports, both benefited from their parents’ athletic experience and commitment to supporting their development.
Does Lathan Ransom Have Brothers?
As of now, there are no publicly confirmed brothers identified in Lathan Ransom’s family biographies.
A detailed 2018 interview with his parents identified their two children as Lathan and Jalynn.
Therefore, Jalynn is his only publicly documented sibling.
Lathan Ransom Grandfather: Who Is Javier Blanco?
Javier Blanco is Lathan Ransom’s maternal grandfather and another notable athlete in the family.
He attended Sahuarita High School in Arizona, where he participated in several sports.
During his senior year in 1974, Javier helped the school’s baseball team win its first state championship.
He later served in the military and retired as a master sergeant.
In December 2004, Javier and his daughter Linda were inducted into the Sahuarita High School Hall of Fame.
This recognition demonstrates that the Ransom family’s athletic tradition extends across multiple generations.
Why Is Lathan Ransom Named Lathan?
One interesting fact about the Ransom family is the origin of Lathan’s first name.
According to a 2018 AllSportsTucson feature, the name Lathan combines elements of his parents’ names, Linda and Nathan.
The family chose the name as a personal connection to both parents.
His younger sister’s name, Jalynn, also has family significance. It was inspired by their maternal aunt, Jessica Lynn Blanco.
These naming choices reflect the importance of family relationships and traditions within the household.
How Did Lathan Ransom’s Family Influence His NFL Career?
Lathan Ransom’s parents helped establish the athletic and personal foundations that supported his football development.
His father introduced him to football fundamentals and encouraged him to become a physically confident defender.
His mother helped develop his competitive mentality while teaching him the importance of education, character, and community service.
Both parents emphasized accountability and consistent effort.
During his high school years, Ransom developed into one of Arizona’s leading football prospects.
He later chose Ohio State University, where he continued improving his skills and leadership abilities.
Despite experiencing injuries during his college career, Ransom returned to help Ohio State win the national championship following the 2024 season.
His selection by the Carolina Panthers in 2025 represented the fulfillment of a goal he had pursued since childhood.
During interviews following the NFL Draft, Ransom acknowledged that his early experiences watching game footage with his father helped establish the preparation habits he continued using professionally.
Lathan Ransom Family Facts
- Full name: Lathan Ransom
- Date of birth: July 16, 2002
- Age: 24
- Birthplace: Tucson, Arizona, United States
- Nationality: American
- Father: Nathan Ransom
- Mother: Linda Blanco Ransom
- Father’s background: Former college football player, military veteran, and fire department captain
- Mother’s background: Former basketball and softball player and social work professional
- Sister: Jalynn Ransom
- Brothers: None publicly identified
- Maternal grandfather: Javier Blanco
- Previously reported girlfriend: Kaity Woods
- Current girlfriend: Not publicly confirmed
- Wife: No publicly confirmed marriage
- Children: None publicly confirmed
- High school: Salpointe Catholic High School
- College: Ohio State University
- College degree: Communications
- NFL Draft: 2025, fourth round, 122nd overall
- Current NFL team: Carolina Panthers
- Position: Safety
- Jersey number: 22
Frequently Asked Questions About Lathan Ransom’s Family
Who is Lathan Ransom’s girlfriend?
Lathan Ransom previously dated Kaity Woods, according to a December 2020 AZPreps365 interview. However, their current relationship status has not been reliably confirmed.
Is Lathan Ransom married?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Lathan Ransom is married or identifying a wife.
Does Lathan Ransom have children?
Lathan Ransom has no publicly confirmed children. There are no reliable reports identifying any sons or daughters.
Who is Lathan Ransom’s father?
His father is Nathan Ransom, a former college football player, military veteran, and firefighter who helped coach Lathan during his childhood.
Who is Lathan Ransom’s mother?
His mother is Linda Blanco Ransom, a former basketball and softball standout who was inducted into the Sahuarita High School Hall of Fame in 2004.
Does Lathan Ransom have siblings?
Yes. Lathan Ransom has one publicly documented younger sister named Jalynn Ransom.
Who is Lathan Ransom’s sister?
Jalynn Ransom is his younger sister. She played volleyball at Salpointe Catholic High School and Pima Community College before becoming involved in coaching.
Does Lathan Ransom have a brother?
No brothers have been identified in reliable public family reports. His only publicly confirmed sibling is his younger sister, Jalynn.
Who is Lathan Ransom’s grandfather?
His maternal grandfather is Javier Blanco, a former Sahuarita High School athlete and military veteran who was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame alongside his daughter Linda.
Why is he named Lathan?
His first name combines elements of his parents’ names: Linda and Nathan.
Where is Lathan Ransom from?
Lathan Ransom is from Tucson, Arizona, where he attended Salpointe Catholic High School.
Which NFL team does Lathan Ransom play for?
As of now, Lathan Ransom plays safety for the Carolina Panthers. The team selected him in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
