On August 1, 2021, he committed to playing college basketball for Duke over offers from Florida State, Kansas and NBA G League.

[7][8] Sources: On November 18, 2022, Whitehead made his Duke debut recording 6 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals in 16 minutes off the bench in a 92-58 win against Delaware.

[9] On December 6, 2022, Whitehead scored eight points and set a career high 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 21 minutes off the bench in a 74-62 win against Iowa.

On January 7, 2023, Whitehead averaged a career high 18 points and 33 minutes played and matching previously set career highs in 6 field goals made and 4 3-pointers made, while shooting 50% (6-of-12) from the field and 50% (4-of-8) from long range during a 65-64 win against Boston College.

In two NCAA Tournament games, Whitehead recorded averages of 10.5 points on .615 shooting from the field and .625 shooting from distance with 3.0 rebounds in 28.0 minutes per contest… Scored 13 points (5-of-7 FG, 3-of-3 3FG) in 23 minutes off the bench in Duke's NCAA Tournament win against Oral Roberts.