The SMU vs. TCU football rivalry, known as the 'Battle for the Iron Skillet', is one of the most storied rivalries in college football. This annual matchup pits the Southern Methodist Mustangs against the Texas Horned Frogs, two programs with deep roots in Texas football history. Originating in 1915, the rivalry gained significance when the 'Iron Skillet' trophy was introduced in the late 1940s, symbolizing bragging rights and regional supremacy.
Played just 40 miles apart in Texas, the rivalry has seen numerous memorable games and close contests over the years. The Iron Skillet trophy, awarded to the winner, adds an extra layer of excitement and bragging rights to this fierce competition.
SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry History
The SMU vs. TCU football rivalry, known as the 'Battle for the Iron Skillet', dates back to 1915. The rivalry began when the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs and the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs first met on the football field. Over the years, the two teams have faced off in almost every season, with only a few exceptions.
The tradition of the Iron Skillet trophy started in 1946 when an SMU fan was frying frog legs before the game, and a TCU fan challenged that the winner should take the skillet. Further, SMU won the game and the frog leg and skillet went to them. Another version suggests that the trophy was proposed by SMU's Student Council and accepted by TCU.
The rivalry has seen many memorable moments, including SMU's undefeated season in 1982 and TCU's dominant victory in 2014. The series is closely contested, with TCU leading the all-time record. The proximity of the two universities, around 40 miles apart, adds to the intensity and excitement of the rivalry.
SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry Head-to-Head Stats
The SMU vs. TCU football rivalry has seen Texas Christian University (TCU) hold a significant edge in the overall series. As of 2024, TCU leads the head-to-head record with 53 wins, compared to SMU’s 42 victories, and there have been 7 ties. The rivalry’s balance has shifted at various points in history, with TCU dominating in recent years.
Here's the head-to-head stats for the SMU vs. TCU football rivalry:
| Statistic | SMU Mustangs | TCU Horned Frogs |
| Total Wins | 43 | 53 |
| Ties | 7 | 7 |
| Largest Victory | 66–42 (2024) | 62–7 (200) |
| Longest Win Streak | 15 (1972-1986) | 7 (2012-2018) |
SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry Winner Year By Year
The SMU vs. TCU football rivalry has been fiercely contested since their first meeting in 1915 and TCU defeated the SMU with a 43-0 score. The winner takes home the coveted 'Iron Skillet' trophy.
Here's the year-by-year list for the SMU vs. TCU football rivalry, listing the winning team and score:
| Year | Winning Team | Score |
| 1915 | TCU Horned Frogs | 43–0 |
| 1916 | TCU Horned Frogs | 48–3 |
| 1917 | TCU Horned Frogs | 21–0 |
| 1918 | SMU Mustangs | 1–0 |
| 1921 | TCU Horned Frogs | 13–6 |
| 1922 | Tie | 0–0 |
| 1923 | SMU Mustangs | 40–0 |
| 1924 | SMU Mustangs | 6–0 |
| 1926 | SMU Mustangs | 14–13 |
| 1927 | SMU Mustangs | 28–6 |
| 1928 | TCU Horned Frogs | 15–6 |
| 1929 | Tie | 7–7 |
| 1930 | TCU Horned Frogs | 13–0 |
| 1931 | Tie | 0–0 |
| 1932 | TCU Horned Frogs | 8–0 |
| 1933 | TCU Horned Frogs | 26–6 |
| 1934 | SMU Mustangs | 19–0 |
| 1935 | SMU Mustangs | 20–14 |
| 1936 | Tie | 0–0 |
| 1937 | TCU Horned Frogs | 3–0 |
| 1938 | TCU Horned Frogs | 20–7 |
| 1939 | SMU Mustangs | 14–7 |
| 1940 | SMU Mustangs | 16–0 |
| 1941 | TCU Horned Frogs | 15–13 |
| 1942 | TCU Horned Frogs | 14–6 |
| 1943 | SMU Mustangs | 20–0 |
| 1944 | SMU Mustangs | 9–6 |
| 1945 | SMU Mustangs | 34–0 |
| 1946 | SMU Mustangs | 30–13 |
| 1947 | Tie | 19–19 |
| 1948 | Tie | 7–7 |
| 1949 | TCU Horned Frogs | 26–13 |
| 1950 | TCU Horned Frogs | 27–13 |
| 1951 | TCU Horned Frogs | 13–2 |
| 1952 | TCU Horned Frogs | 14–7 |
| 1953 | TCU Horned Frogs | 13–0 |
| 1954 | SMU Mustangs | 21–6 |
| 1955 | TCU Horned Frogs | 20–13 |
| 1956 | TCU Horned Frogs | 21–6 |
| 1957 | TCU Horned Frogs | 21–0 |
| 1958 | SMU Mustangs | 20–13 |
| 1959 | TCU Horned Frogs | 19–0 |
| 1960 | TCU Horned Frogs | 13–0 |
| 1961 | Tie | 28–28 |
| 1962 | TCU Horned Frogs | 14–9 |
| 1963 | TCU Horned Frogs | 22–15 |
| 1964 | TCU Horned Frogs | 17–6 |
| 1965 | TCU Horned Frogs | 10–7 |
| 1966 | SMU Mustangs | 21–0 |
| 1967 | SMU Mustangs | 28–14 |
| 1968 | SMU Mustangs | 21–14 |
| 1969 | SMU Mustangs | 19–17 |
| 1970 | TCU Horned Frogs | 26–17 |
| 1971 | TCU Horned Frogs | 18–16 |
| 1972 | SMU Mustangs | 35–22 |
| 1973 | SMU Mustangs | 21–19 |
| 1974 | SMU Mustangs | 33–13 |
| 1975 | SMU Mustangs | 28–13 |
| 1976 | SMU Mustangs | 34–14 |
| 1977 | SMU Mustangs | 45–21 |
| 1978 | SMU Mustangs | 45–14 |
| 1979 | SMU Mustangs | 27–7 |
| 1980 | SMU Mustangs | 17–14 |
| 1981 | SMU Mustangs | 20–9 |
| 1982 | SMU Mustangs | 16–13 |
| 1983 | SMU Mustangs | 21–17 |
| 1984 | SMU Mustangs | 26–17 |
| 1985 | SMU Mustangs | 56–21 |
| 1986 | SMU Mustangs | 31–21 |
| 1989 | TCU Horned Frogs | 28–10 |
| 1990 | TCU Horned Frogs | 42–21 |
| 1991 | TCU Horned Frogs | 18–10 |
| 1992 | SMU Mustangs | 27–17 |
| 1993 | SMU Mustangs | 21–15 |
| 1994 | TCU Horned Frogs | 35–14 |
| 1995 | TCU Horned Frogs | 19–16 |
| 1996 | SMU Mustangs | 27–24 |
| 1997 | TCU Horned Frogs | 21–18 |
| 1998 | SMU Mustangs | 10–6 |
| 1999 | TCU Horned Frogs | 21–0 |
| 2000 | TCU Horned Frogs | 62–7 |
| 2001 | TCU Horned Frogs | 38–10 |
| 2002 | TCU Horned Frogs | 17–6 |
| 2003 | TCU Horned Frogs | 20–13 |
| 2004 | TCU Horned Frogs | 44–0 |
| 2005 | SMU Mustangs | 21–10 |
| 2007 | TCU Horned Frogs | 21–7 |
| 2008 | TCU Horned Frogs | 48–7 |
| 2009 | TCU Horned Frogs | 39–14 |
| 2010 | TCU Horned Frogs | 41–24 |
| 2011 | SMU Mustangs | 40–33 (OT) |
| 2012 | TCU Horned Frogs | 24–16 |
| 2013 | TCU Horned Frogs | 48–17 |
| 2014 | TCU Horned Frogs | 56–0 |
| 2015 | TCU Horned Frogs | 56–37 |
| 2016 | TCU Horned Frogs | 33–3 |
| 2017 | TCU Horned Frogs | 56–36 |
| 2018 | TCU Horned Frogs | 42–12 |
| 2019 | SMU Mustangs | 41–38 |
| 2021 | SMU Mustangs | 42–34 |
| 2022 | TCU Horned Frogs | 42–34 |
| 2023 | TCU Horned Frogs | 34–17 |
| 2024 | SMU Mustangs | 66–42 |
FAQs on SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry
A. It is known as the "Battle for the Iron Skillet."
A. The rivalry began on October 9, 1915, at TCU campus when both the teams first played and TCU won the game with 43-0 score.
A. The Iron Skillet trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual SMU vs. TCU football game.
A. SMU and TCU have played 103 games in this rivalry as of 2024.
A. TCU leads the all-time series with 53 wins, compared to SMU's 43 wins, and there have been 7 ties.
