The 1997 Villanova Wildcats football team represented Villanova University during the 1997 NCAA Division I-AA football season.
[1][2] The Wildcats earned a berth as the #1 seed into the 16-team Division I-AA playoffs, but lost in the quarterfinals to eventual national champion Youngstown State, 34–37.
[1] Villanova was led by 13th-year head coach Andy Talley.
[1] Villanova finished the year ranked #1 in the nation according to The Sports Network's final poll, which was released prior to the playoffs starting.
[2] Senior wide receiver Brian Finneran received the Walter Payton Award, which is given to the nation's top offensive player.