The 1997 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky as a member of the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by first-year head coach Hal Mumme, the Wildcats compiled an overall record of 5âÂÂ6 with a mark of 2âÂÂ6 in conference place, placing fifth in the SEC's Eastern Division. The team played home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky.