The 1953 SMU Mustangs football team represented Southern Methodist University (SMU) as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1953 college football season. Led by first-year head coach Woody Woodard, the Mustangs compiled an overall record of 5âÂÂ5 with a mark of 3âÂÂ3 in conference play, placing fourth in the SWC. SMU played home games at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Jack Gunlock and Jerry Clem were the team captains.