Needham boys soccer enters the 2026 season ranked No. 2 in the state, according to the Boston Globe's preseason Top 20 poll published Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Only defending Division 1 state champion Natick sits ahead of the Rockets. Natick captured its first state title last fall. Duxbury, the Division 2 runner-up, landed at No. 3, followed by Oliver Ames at No. 4 and St. John's Prep at No. 5.

Two separate preseason previews now place Needham among the state's top boys soccer programs heading into the fall.

The New England Soccer Journal also named Needham among the top contenders in its preseason top 10, published Tuesday, Sept. 1, by reporter Matthew Doherty. Doherty wrote that "the MIAA boys scene has become as wide open and unpredictable as ever, with new programs ready to challenge the blue bloods almost overnight."

Globe reporter Mike Puzzanghera noted that Natick returns a strong nucleus from its title team but that Bay State Conference rival Needham, along with Duxbury, Oliver Ames, St. John's Prep and others, are contenders. Concord-Carlisle came in at No. 6, Newton South at No. 7 and BC High at No. 8. Further down the poll, Cambridge landed at No. 13, Brookline at No. 14, Arlington at No. 17 and Winchester at No. 18.

The Rockets compete in the Bay State Conference and MIAA Division 1. The Bay State Conference rivalry between Needham and Natick will be one to watch during the 2026 fall season, with the defending champions holding the top spot and the Rockets right behind them.

St. Sebastian's earns top-25 state ranking

Across town, St. Sebastian's School picked up a different kind of recognition. The Needham private school earned a spot among the top 25 high schools in Massachusetts in a Stacker ranking using Niche data, published Aug. 31 by Boston 25 News.

St. Sebastian's received an A+ Niche grade. The ranking weighs seven factors, including academics, activities and resources. The school was noted for its small class sizes.

The statewide list featured mostly private schools and one public option.

Needham's fall sports season is now underway, with Bay State Conference play set to begin in early September.