Exhibit 23(a)
                                                                   -------------


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                         -------------------------------


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 1
to Registration Statement No. 33-59068 dated March 12, 1993, Registration
Statement No. 33-46327 dated March 11, 1992, Registration Statement No. 33-44208
dated November 26, 1991, Registration Statement No. 33-41774 dated July 19,
1991, Registration Statement No. 33-38784 dated January 28, 1991, Post-Effective
Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 33-10546 dated January 28, 1991,
Registration Statement No. 33-37373 dated October 18, 1990, Registration
Statement No. 2-89672 dated February 27, 1984, and Registration Statement No.
33-52553 dated March 8, 1994, all on Form S-8, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement No. 33-52569 dated October 25, 1996, and Registration
Statement No. 33-63175 dated October 3, 1995, both on Form S-3, and Registration
Statement No. 333-30461-01 dated June 30, 1997 on Form S-4 of our report dated
January 14, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated incorporated by reference in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                   /s/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Columbus, Ohio
February 20, 1998