| Year: | 1953 |
| Team: | Western Reserve Red Cats |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Mid-American Conference |
| Short Conf: | MAC |
| Record: | 5–3–1 |
| Conf Record: | 1–2–1 |
| Hc Year: | 3rd |
| Captain: | Gordon McCarter |
| Stadium: | Clarke Field |
The 1953 Western Reserve Red Cats football team represented the Western Reserve University—now referred to as Case Western Reserve University—as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1953 college football season. Led by third-year head coach Edward L. Finnigan, the Red Cats compiled an overall record of 5–3–1 with a mark of 1–2–1 in conference play, placing fifth in the MAC. Fullback Gordon McCarter was the team's captain. Wes Stevens served as line coach.
The final Thanksgiving Day rivalry game against Case Tech was played this season.[1]