1997 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

The 1997 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the 1997 Big Ten Conference football season. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–3 record, including the 1998 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they lost 31–14 to the Florida State Seminoles.

Coaching staff

 * John Cooper – Head coach – 10th year
 * Bill Conley – Tight ends & recruiting coordinator (11th year)
 * Jim Heacock – Defensive line (2nd year)
 * Mike Jacobs – Offensive coordinator (3rd year)
 * Fred Pagac – Defensive coordinator (16th year)
 * Tim Salem – Quarterbacks (1st year)
 * Shawn Simms – Defensive ends (1st year)
 * Tim Spencer – Running backs (4th year)
 * Chuck Strobart – Offensive coordinator (3rd year)
 * Jon Tenuta – Defensive backs (2nd year)

NFL draft
For the first time since the NFL draft's inception in 1936, no Ohio State players were selected in the 1998 NFL Draft.