During the 1996–97 English football season, Oxford United F.C.

competed in the Football League First Division.

The 1996–97 season saw Oxford looking hopeful of gaining promotion to the Premier League, but the squad lacked the strength to make their form consistent and they finished seventeenth, following the sale of star defender Matt Elliott to Leicester City.

Oxford United's score comes first Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.