In its 14th season under head coach Frank Howard, the team compiled a 3–5–1 record (1–2 against conference opponents), finished sixth in the ACC, and was outscored by a total of 172 to 139.
[2][3] The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
End Dreher Gaskin and tackle Nathan Gressette were the team captains.
[4] The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Don King with 706 passing yards and 243 rushing yards and Dreher Gaskin with 30 points scored (5 touchdowns).
[5] Three Clemson players were named to the 1953 All-South Carolina football team: Dreher Gaskin, Nathan Gressette, and Don King.