The SMU Mustangs are the athletic teams representing Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. With 17 teams competing in various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track & field, the Mustangs have a strong presence in collegiate athletics.

SMU Mustangs Logo History

The SMU Mustang logo has been a symbol of the university's athletic spirit since 1977. Known for its timeless elegance, the logo has remained virtually unchanged, maintaining its modern look over the years.

1968 – 1982: The First Logo

The original SMU logo, introduced in 1968, featured a silhouette of a running horse, colored in bright red. This simple yet dynamic design laid the foundation for the school's identity and would be adapted in later versions.

1982 – 2007: Refinement

In 1982, the logo was refined, with slight adjustments to the silhouette's edges. The name of the university was added in blue text, placed above and below the horse figure. This iteration gave the logo a more defined and formal look while keeping the dynamic energy of the galloping horse intact.

2007 – 2012: Return to the Classic Design

In 2007, SMU returned to the original 1968 design, removing the added text and refining the color to a darker shade. This version focused solely on the horse silhouette, emphasizing the strength and motion of the galloping mustang.

2012 – Today: Darker Silhouette

By 2012, the silhouette was further darkened, providing a stronger, more modern look. Despite the changes, the logo has maintained its fundamental design elements, continuing to represent the university’s spirit of motion and power.

Colors

The official SMU colors are blue (Pantone 286) and red (Pantone 186), which are reflected in the university's athletic identity. The primary Mustang logo uses red, while blue is often featured in secondary logos and variations.

• SMU Blue: Pantone 286, Hex #0033A0
• SMU Red: Pantone 186, Hex #C8102E

The use of red in the primary logo represents energy and passion, while the blue adds a sense of tradition and stability to the visual identity. The simplicity and elegance of the logo, paired with the dynamic energy of the galloping mustang, make it a lasting symbol of SMU's athletic teams.