Kade and Tate Zimmerman to be re-united for college football at New Mexico

Tate Zimmerman (left) and Kade Zimmerman helped Irvine win the league title in the spring. (Photo courtesy Irvine football).

Former Irvine High School standouts Kade and Tate Zimmerman will be re-united on the football field at the University of New Mexico.

The two brothers were part of Coach Tom Ricci’s league championship team during the spring season. Tate Zimmerman led Irvine to the Pacific Hills League title in the fall as a senior.

“The reason I committed to the University of New Mexico is because I enjoyed my conversations with the coaches,” said Tate Zimmerman, who was a linebacker and running back for the Vaqueros.

“My official visit there confirmed that this was the type of football family and culture that I was looking for. It has always been a dream for my brother and I to play Division 1 football together so we see it as a gift and a blessing to do this at UNM.”

Tate Zimmerman said he will play linebacker at New Mexico.

Not long after that his older brother Kade, a receiver, announced he was transferring from Black Hills State University in South Dakota, where he played last season, to New Mexico.

“I’m excited to be reunited with my brother and thankful for the coaches at UNM who believed enough in me for opening a spot,” he said. “Me and Tate are absolutely going to do something special at New Mexico.” 

Both Zimmerman brothers earned top honors at Irvine. Kade Zimmerman was MVP of the Pacific Valley League in the spring.

Tate Zimmerman was named MVP of the Pacific Hills League in the fall.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com