By Sophia Miller
State Titles, and Recent High School Highlights
Edina High School remains a powerhouse across a broad range of sports. Its athletic department has amassed more than 200 state championships—198 recognized by the Minnesota State High School League alone. Notably, Edina’s boys soccer, football, girls soccer, and swimming & diving teams continue to lead the charge. For example, the boys soccer squad clinched Class 3A titles most recently, adding another feather to a rich history. The football team also returned to the top, winning the state championship in 2025. †
Fall Football: Hornets in Focus
The Edina Hornets football team enters the upcoming season with momentum. They finished 9–4 last year, including a strong postseason run. Their early games will test the team’s mettle, starting with matchups like Hopkins and Wayzata, followed by contests against Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Minnetonka. Observers will want to keep an eye on the Hornets’ defensive schemes and depth, particularly how they handle tight games across the regular and postseason. †
College and Pro Spotlight: Gophers & Vikings
The University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers are gearing up for another strong Big Ten season under coach P. J. Fleck. Junior quarterback Drake Lindsey returns as starter, and the offensive line is expected to carry over its strength from previous campaigns. Still, improving consistency in offense—especially generating explosive plays—remains a key goal. †
On the pro side, Minnesota Vikings fans have reason to be excited. The 2026 schedule includes several marquee matchups: the home opener versus the Green Bay Packers, games against the Dolphins, Saints, and prime-time appearances like Monday Night at home in November. The bye week comes in early-to-midOctober. Development of younger players and injury management will be crucial as the season unfolds. †
Local Catch to Make: Soccer, Volleyball and Youth Leagues
Edina High’s boys soccer team is still celebrating its state title earned in a tight final at U.S. Bank Stadium, where a late-header sealed the win. The program’s defensive resilience and clutch performances show why it’s among the state’s elite. †
The girls volleyball program is also generating buzz—not only for its competitive B-squad tournament being hosted this fall, but for its consistent showing in class matches and the Metro conference. Fans should watch this space for young players stepping into varsity roles. †
What Fans Should Keep an Eye On
- How Edina manages player development across levels—varsity, junior varsity, and youth programs.
- Injury reports and roster depth for both Hornets teams and the Gophers/Vikings.
- Close games—in particular, conference matchups that test mental toughness under pressure.
- Home crowd atmosphere and support, especially during key rivalry or postseason games.
With a legacy this deep, expectations stay high—but it’s how the teams respond in tight moments, unexpected adversity, and high-profile matchups that will define this season. Hornet fans have plenty to anticipate, and the story is just beginning.