History of the Mustangs

The SMU Mustangs have a long and storied history in NCAA athletics. From their first season of play in 1915 to today, the Mustangs have consistently been among the top teams in college sports. With a deep commitment to excellence on and off the field, SMU has earned numerous national championships, conference titles, and individual honors as an NCAA program.

At its founding, SMU was known as The Dallas College before becoming Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 1911. It wasn’t until 1915 that football began at what is now known as “Death Valley” – then located on campus near Ownby Stadium – with head coach Ray Morrison leading his team through their inaugural season against Texas A&M University; they lost 6-0 but would go on to win five Southwest Conference Championships over 25 years under Morrison's leadership between 1915–1940!

In 1932 Coach Matty Bell took over for Morrison after he left for Vanderbilt University; it was during this era that many consider some of the best players ever seen at SMU were recruited: Doak Walker (running back), Kyle Rote Sr., Bobby Wilson (wide receiver), Don Meredith & Forrest Gregg among others who helped lead them towards winning two more SWC titles by 1941 - including an undefeated 10-0 record during '41 when they beat TCU 20-14! In addition, these championship teams also had several All-Americans, such as Bill Mercer, who became a famous sportscaster later in life too!

Over time other coaches like Tom Landry brought even greater success with three consecutive bowl appearances from 1959–61, while Hayden Fry won another pair before retiring following the 1981 season. After that, Dave Smith took charge until 1986, when current head coach June Jones arrived, bringing yet another National Championship title home a long way… Since then, there has been much debate about whether or not it should be considered part "powerhouse" program due mainly because a lack of consistency compared to other significant universities across the country, but regardless fact remains that it still holds multiple records within the conference itself, which speaks volumes about how successful the program can indeed be if given a chance compete amongst best competition out there today!