1997 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team

The 1997 season was the Golden Gophers' first season under head coach Glen Mason. The Golden Gophers only won three games, but nearly defeated the #1 ranked team in the AP Poll, the Penn State Nittany Lions. Total attendance for the season was 269,385, which averaged out to 44,897 per game. The season high for attendance was against rival Wisconsin.

Defensive end Lamanzer Williams was named an All-American by the College Football Writers Association and the Football Writers Association of America. Williams was also named All-Big Ten first team. Wide Receiver Tutu Atwell and strong safety Tyrone Carter were named All-Big Ten second team. Linebacker Luke Braaten, cornerback Jason Hagman, placekicker Erin McManus, fullback Brad Prigge, long snapper Derek Rackley, quarterback Cory Sauter, defensive tackle Theron von Behren and linebacker Parc Williams were named Academic All-Big Ten.