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Who is Suni Lee Boyfriend, Jaylin Smith? All About The Story Behind Their Relationship

Suni Lee, a gymnast whose incredible achievements continue to inspire fans around the world, has had her personal life come into the spotlight just as much as her sporting career. After making history as the first Asian-American to win the gold medal in the women’s all-around event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she became a global sensation. But it’s not just her athletic prowess that has garnered attention. Her relationship with college football player Jaylin Smith, currently making waves at the University of Southern California (USC), has also intrigued fans. Together, they’ve faced both the highs of their careers and the challenges of navigating a public relationship under intense scrutiny.
In this biography, we take a closer look at Suni Lee’s boyfriend, Jaylin Smith, exploring his career, his background, and the love story that continues to capture the public’s attention. We also dive into their relationship dynamics, the challenges they’ve faced, and what their future might hold.
Who Is Suni Lee’s Boyfriend, Jaylin Smith?

Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith. Source: Sunisa Lee/Instagram
Jaylin Smith, a rising star in collegiate football, has made a name for himself both on and off the field. Born in Palmdale, California, on November 5, 2000, Smith’s athletic abilities were clear from a young age. He played football at Bishop Alemany High School, where his standout performances as a cornerback, wide receiver, and running back made him a highly sought-after recruit. By his senior year, Smith had earned the title of PrepStar All-American, setting the stage for his collegiate career.
At the University of Southern California, where he currently plays cornerback for the USC Trojans, Smith has continued to shine. He’s racked up impressive stats, including 123 tackles, 8.5 tackles for losses, and several pass breakups. His performance during his junior year was particularly notable, earning him Defensive MVP honors at the Holiday Bowl in 2023. As he enters his senior year, Smith is poised to be a key player for the Trojans.
Off the field, Smith’s life is equally impressive. He is majoring in communications and has a deep interest in expanding his career beyond football. He also made an appearance on the Netflix docuseries Coach Snoop, where he starred as “J-Roc” and competed against older players in Snoop Dogg’s youth football league.
How Did Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith Meet?

Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith.
Source: Instagram
Suni Lee, now 21, burst onto the international stage in 2021 after her historic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. Known for her graceful and precise gymnastics routines, Lee’s career continued to thrive as she earned multiple titles and medals, including a bronze in the individual all-around at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As she rose to fame, Lee’s personal life became a subject of interest, particularly her relationship with Jaylin Smith.
It’s unclear exactly when the two first started dating, but their romance came to public attention in December 2021, when Lee posted pictures with Smith on Instagram. These photos were soon deleted, with Lee later explaining that she received backlash for dating a Black man from parts of the Hmong American community. Despite this, the couple has maintained a relatively private relationship, often keeping details about their time together under wraps.
The couple has faced challenges beyond their romantic lives. In addition to the racial prejudices they’ve faced as an interracial couple, Smith has also dealt with personal tragedies. His mother tragically passed away in a hit-and-run accident, and he’s been open about how much he misses her, often expressing that he feels her presence whenever he plays.
Why Did Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith Keep Their Relationship Private?

Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith.
Source: Instagram
After receiving hateful comments regarding their relationship, Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith both opted to keep their personal lives more private. This decision likely came as a result of the public scrutiny and the racial prejudice that came with their interracial relationship. Lee has previously spoken out about how difficult it was to deal with the negativity from certain members of her community. On TikTok, she expressed her gratitude for those who supported her, saying, “Love is love, no matter what race or gender you are. Keep doing you, queen.”
In an age where celebrities often have their lives dissected by the media, it’s not surprising that Lee and Smith decided to take a step back from the public eye. While their relationship may have remained more private, their connection seems to be strong, despite the challenges they’ve faced.
What’s Next for Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith?
While it’s difficult to predict the future of any relationship, it’s clear that both Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith have promising careers ahead of them. Lee’s gymnastics career continues to soar, with the 2024 Paris Olympics providing another opportunity for her to prove herself on the world stage. As for Smith, he is gearing up for his senior year at USC, where he hopes to continue excelling on the football field and take his career to new heights.
Despite the ups and downs, including public scrutiny and personal hardships, the couple’s bond appears unshaken. Whether or not they remain together long-term, their journey together has shown that love can thrive even in the face of adversity.
FAQs
Who is Suni Lee dating? Suni Lee is reportedly dating Jaylin Smith, a cornerback for the USC Trojans football team.
How long have Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith been together? The exact timeline of Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith’s relationship is unclear, but they began posting pictures together in December 2021.
What challenges has Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith faced in their relationship? As an interracial couple, Lee and Smith have faced racial backlash, particularly from parts of the Hmong American community. Lee has publicly discussed how difficult it was to deal with the negativity.
What does Jaylin Smith do? Jaylin Smith is a college football player at the University of Southern California, where he plays cornerback for the USC Trojans. He has also appeared in Snoop Dogg’s Netflix series Coach Snoop.
Is Suni Lee still with Jaylin Smith? While the couple has kept their relationship private, it appears that they are still together, though they have not made many public appearances together recently.
