Lathan Ransom attended Salpointe Catholic High School and was rated a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports with a scout's rating of 0.930, going unranked by ESPN. Following high school, Ransom opted to join Ohio State after being heavily recruited.

In 2020 as a freshman Ransom saw action in 6 games and played a total of 62 snaps at cornerback for the Buckeyes. He recorded just 7 tackles, no assists, while adding one stop. In coverage Ransom notched up one pass breakup, no interceptions, and QB rating when targetted of 92.7.

As a sophomore in 2021 he played in 13 games and logged 435 snaps for the Buckeyes. He made 24 tackles, 8 assists, and had 6 stops. In coverage he totaled 4 pass breakups, no interceptions, and a disapointing QB rating when targetted of 116.4.

In 2022 as a junior Ransom played in 11 games and contributed on 552 snaps. He chalked up 47 tackles, 18 assists, and added 21 stops. In the secondary Ransom forced 3 pass breakups, one interception, and gave up a decent QB rating when targetted of 81.9.