1953 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

The 1953 Iowa Hawkeyes football team was an American football team that represented the University of Iowa as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1953 Big Ten football season. In their second season under head coach Forest Evashevski, the Hawkeyes compiled a 5–3–1 record (3–3 in conference games), finished in a three-way tie for fifth place in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a total of 187 to 91. Two of their losses came against No. 2 Michigan State and No. 5 Michigan. They closed their season with a victory over No. 15 Minnesota and a 14–14 tie with No. 1 Notre Dame. The Hawkeyes were rewarded for their strong finish with the No. 9 ranking in the final AP poll. It was the first time an Iowa team had been ranked in the final AP poll since 1939.

The 1953 Hawkeyes gained 2,147 rushing yards and 586 passing yards. On defense, they gave up 1,050 rushing yards and 1,208 passing yards. The Hawkeyes set Iowa records (both later broken) for most rushing yards in a season (2,147) and in a game (396 vs. Washington State). They also set the school's record for scoring defense by giving up only 10.1 points per game; the 1953 team's scoring defense mark now ranks second in Iowa history.

The team's statistical leaders included George "Binky" Broeder (410 rushing yards); Lou Matykiewicz (18-of-44 passing for 234 yards); Frank Gilliam (12 receptions for 71 yards); and George "Dusty" Rice (60 points scored). Jerry Hilgenberg, who played at center on offense and linebacker on defense, was selected as a first-team All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten player.

Iowa played it first nationally televised game on October 24, 1953, as its game with Indiana was broadcast by NBC. The team played its home games at Iowa Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Home attendance was 211,109, an average of 42,222 per game.

The following players received varsity letters for their performance on the 1952 Iowa football team:

• Head coach: Forest Evashevski
• Assistant coach: Bump Elliott
• Athletic director: Paul Brechler

Senior Jerry Hilgenberg, who played at center on offense and linebacker on defense, was selected by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) as a first-team player on the 1953 All-America team. He received second-team honors from the Associated Press (AP). Hilegenberg also received first-team honors from the AP and United Press (UP) on the 1953 All-Big Ten Conference football team. Hilgenberg was later inducted into the Iowa Letterwinners Club Hall of Fame.

Sophomore guard Cal Jones received first-team honors from the AP, and second-team honors from the UP, on the All-Big Ten team. Jones was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Iowa Letterwinners Club Hall of Fame.

End Bill Fenton was selected as Iowa's most valuable player for the second consecutive year. He also received second-team All-Big Ten honors from the AP. Fenton was also selected as an Academic All-American for the second consecutive year.

Tackle Andrew Houg was the team captain.

The following Iowa players were selected in the 1954 NFL draft: