From Chino Hills to college rivals: Corbin and Musser Clash in season opener
CHINO HILLS, Calif. — When West Texas A&M met Western Colorado on August 28, 2025, the matchup carried more weight than a season-opening win or loss. It marked the first time two longtime friends 鈥� Hunter Corbin of Chino Hills and Kade Musser, who grew up in Chino Hills and now lives in Eastvale 鈥� faced each other as college rivals.
Both were standouts at Chino Hills High School, where they built a defense grounded in trust and teamwork. Years later, they reunited 鈥� but on opposite sidelines.
From Teammates to Opponents
Corbin and Musser began their football journey together as kids. Through high school, they were leaders of a defense that thrived on chemistry. 鈥淚f one of us didn鈥檛 make the play, the other would,鈥� Musser recalled. Corbin added: 鈥淩elying on Kade to make the right calls taught me to trust and have faith in my teammates.鈥�
Now, the two are finding their way at the college level. Corbin has worked to adjust to life far from home: 鈥淚t has been very humbling. You have to adapt to a new lifestyle and stay positive without close friends or family nearby.鈥�
Musser points to discipline and film study as key growth areas. 鈥淭he days are long and most of the work is done in the film room,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e grown tremendously in my knowledge of the game, and as a person I鈥檝e learned to take care of myself while balancing school and football.鈥�
Different Programs, Same Passion
At Western Colorado, Musser thrives in the Mountaineers鈥� blue-collar culture. 鈥淲e鈥檙e one of the only teams that still go live in fall camp,鈥� he said. 鈥淓veryone here wants to win and make a playoff run.鈥�
Corbin, now with West Texas A&M, describes the experience as both competitive and character-shaping. 鈥淐ollege football is humbling and teaches you more about life,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about what others think, but your own perception of yourself. We鈥檙e still building our rhythm as a young team.鈥�
The Matchup
For the first time, the two lined up against one another. Musser admitted he wanted to win badly: 鈥淲e can be friends after it鈥檚 over, but during the game, I want to win.鈥� Corbin took a more reflective tone: 鈥淚 just thank God for giving us this opportunity. I hope both of us play well and contribute to our teams鈥� success.鈥�
Both agreed 鈥� no trash talk was necessary. Their respect for each other鈥檚 game spoke louder than words.
Game Highlights
The season opener was a physical battle, and both Corbin and Musser left their mark.
Hunter Corbin (West Texas A&M) was active on defense, recording several tackles and holding his own against Western鈥檚 offense. His effort showed the same grit that made him a leader back in Chino Hills.
Kade Musser (Western Colorado) played a central role at linebacker, flying around the field, making stops, and demonstrating the film-study discipline he emphasized.
Though only one team walked away with the win, the personal victory was in the competition itself 鈥� two lifelong friends proving they belong at the college level.
Looking Ahead
Musser has clear goals: 鈥淚 want to be All-American by the end of my career. After football, I hope to coach and help the younger generation.鈥�
Corbin, too, is focused on growth beyond the field: 鈥淪ome goals are just learning from the experiences and being able to apply them to life. I could see myself coaching youth after college.鈥�
Their shared advice to younger athletes: “Make the most of your time, because football doesn鈥檛 last forever.”
Brotherhood Beyond the Game
Despite their new roles as opponents, the friendship endures. 鈥淩egardless of the outcome, I think it鈥檚 great we both made it here,鈥� Musser said. Corbin agreed: 鈥淔ootball is just a reflection of life. I owe everything to my coaches and teammates.鈥�
From Chino Hills to Eastvale, from high school teammates to college rivals, the story of Hunter Corbin and Kade Musser is one of brotherhood, competition, and respect 鈥� and on August 28, that story added its most memorable chapter yet.
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