The 1997 Bucknell Bison football team was an American football team that represented Bucknell University during the 1997 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Bucknell finished second in the Patriot League. In their third year under head coach Tom Gadd, the Bison compiled a 10–1 record. Hunter Adams, Wally Hurdley and Chris Peer were the team captains. The Bison outscored opponents 282 to 213. Bucknell's 5–1 conference record placed second in the seven-team Patriot League standings.