He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini, where he was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2022.

Initially concentrating his athletic abilities on basketball, Witherspoon did not begin playing football until his junior year of high school.

[7] A supremely confident player, Witherspoon was regarded as the leading trash-talker on the Fighting Illini team during his tenure.

[8] During his senior year Witherspoon was named one of twelve finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the nation's top defensive back.

[11] The Seahawks obtained this draft pick as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in the previous offseason.

[12] In Week 4 of the 2023 season, Witherspoon recorded his first career interception on a pass from quarterback Daniel Jones in a 24-3 win against the New York Giants.