Overview
- SMU Red and SMU Blue are the university’s official primary colors, while white is an approved color for certain SMU Athletics logo applications.
- This guide lists officially published HEX, RGB, CMYK and Pantone values for red and blue, plus clearly labeled best available estimates for approved white.
- These references are useful for websites, presentations, digital graphics, print projects, fan content and brand-consistent design planning.
SMU Mustangs Team Information
| Team Name | SMU Mustangs Football |
|---|---|
| League | NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) |
| Division | Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) |
| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| Home Stadium / Arena | Gerald J. Ford Stadium |
| Official Website | Visit SMU Mustangs Football |
SMU Mustangs Color Codes
The official SMU Mustangs colors are commonly used across team branding, uniforms, digital graphics, fan designs, presentations and web projects. SMU’s official brand palette publishes complete specifications for red and blue. SMU Athletics also permits the Mustang logo to appear in white, but the official sources reviewed do not publish a separate Pantone, HEX, RGB or CMYK specification for that white application. The table below distinguishes officially published values from best available estimates.
| Color Name | Pantone | HEX | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMU Red | Pantone 186 C | #CC0035 | 204, 0, 53 | 0, 100, 85, 3 |
| SMU Blue | Pantone 286 C | #354CA1 | 53, 76, 161 | 100, 65, 0, 3 |
| White (approved athletics logo color) | Not officially published | #FFFFFF (best available estimate) | 255, 255, 255 (best available estimate) | 0, 0, 0, 0 (best available estimate) |
Official source note: The SMU color palette identifies red and blue as primary colors and publishes their digital and print specifications. The SMU Athletics licensing page states that the preferred Mustang logo color is red, with white and occasional blue also allowed. When an athletics source names Pantone 186 C or 286 C and the university palette lists PMS 186 or PMS 286, the references are consistent rather than conflicting.
How to Use SMU Mustangs Colors
You can use the SMU Mustangs color codes for digital design, website elements, social media graphics, printable materials, fan artwork, presentations and sports-related content. HEX codes are typically best for websites, RGB values are useful for screens and digital design, while CMYK values are mainly used for print projects. For designs featuring the Mustang logo, follow the official athletics rule that the Mustang must face to the right and should not be altered. Commercial merchandise, licensed products and official branding may require permission from SMU’s Trademark Licensing Office.
SMU Mustangs HEX Color Codes
The main SMU Mustangs HEX color codes are #CC0035 for SMU Red and #354CA1 for SMU Blue. The value #FFFFFF is a best available digital estimate for the approved white logo application because SMU does not officially publish a separate white HEX specification. These values can be used in HTML, CSS, website design, digital graphics and online brand references.
SMU Mustangs RGB Color Codes
The officially published SMU Mustangs RGB color codes are 204, 0, 53 for SMU Red and 53, 76, 161 for SMU Blue. For approved white logo applications, 255, 255, 255 is the best available estimate rather than an officially published SMU value. RGB values are useful for screen-based designs, including social media posts, digital banners, video graphics and presentation slides.
SMU Mustangs CMYK Color Codes
The officially published SMU Mustangs CMYK color codes are 0, 100, 85, 3 for SMU Red and 100, 65, 0, 3 for SMU Blue. A value of 0, 0, 0, 0 is a best available estimate for white and is not an officially published SMU specification. CMYK values are most useful for printed materials such as flyers, posters, brochures and merchandise mockups. Because output can vary by printer, paper, coating and ink profile, request a physical proof before final production.
SMU Mustangs Pantone Colors
The official SMU Mustangs Pantone references are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 286 C for blue, as confirmed by SMU Athletics licensing guidance. The university color palette also lists the corresponding PMS numbers as 186 and 286. A Pantone value for approved white logo use is not officially published. Pantone references are most useful when designers need consistent color matching across licensed merchandise, professional printing, signage and other controlled production environments.
FAQ About SMU Mustangs Color Codes
What are the official SMU Mustangs colors?
The official SMU primary colors are SMU Red and SMU Blue. SMU Athletics also approves white for certain Mustang logo applications, but white is not identified as a third primary color in the official university color palette.
What is the HEX code for SMU Mustangs colors?
The officially published SMU HEX codes are #CC0035 for red and #354CA1 for blue. For approved white applications, #FFFFFF is a best available estimate because an official SMU white HEX value is not published.
What are the Pantone colors for the SMU Mustangs?
SMU Athletics identifies Pantone 186 C for the preferred red Mustang logo and Pantone 286 C for occasional blue use. No official Pantone reference is published for white.
Is SMU red the same as a generic bright red?
No. SMU’s official red is specifically defined as HEX #CC0035, RGB 204, 0, 53, CMYK 0, 100, 85, 3 and Pantone 186 C. Using a generic red may create visible differences in digital or printed materials.
Is SMU blue the same as navy blue?
No. SMU Blue is officially defined as HEX #354CA1, RGB 53, 76, 161, CMYK 100, 65, 0, 3 and Pantone 286 C. It should not automatically be replaced with a generic navy value.
Which SMU color should be used for the Mustang logo?
SMU Athletics states that red is the preferred color for the Mustang logo. White is also permitted, and blue may be used occasionally. The Mustang graphic must face to the right and should not be altered or animated.
Can I use SMU Mustangs colors for my own design project?
You can use SMU Mustangs color codes as references for personal projects, fan content and non-commercial designs. Color values alone do not grant permission to use SMU trademarks, logos or protected brand assets. For commercial use, merchandise, advertising or official-looking materials, review SMU’s current brand and trademark licensing rules before publishing or selling a design.
Why can printed SMU colors look different from screen colors?
Screens use RGB light, while most commercial printing uses CMYK inks. Paper stock, coatings, printer calibration and color profiles can also affect the final result. Use the official CMYK or Pantone references and request a printed proof when accurate reproduction is important.
