Zimmerman originally attended University of Pittsburgh but transferred after his freshman year to Duquesene. He was a record-setting quarterback for the Dukes from the 1998–2000 season. He set 14 school records leading the Dukes to back to back MAAC titles in 1999 and 2000. He finished his career with 7,313 yards passing and 73 touchdown passes. He still holds the NCAA I-AA career record for highest percentage of passes for touchdowns. He was named Duquesne's male Student-Athlete of the Year in 2000–01.
After his pro-career Zimmerman returned to Duquesne in 2005 and became the school's receivers coach even though he was still playing for the Johnstown Riverhawks. Zimmerman also coached at West Virginia Tech.