Will Wade is returning to LSU as the head coach after spending just one season leading the NC State basketball program. The move was confirmed by Wade himself on social media Thursday, and sources told CBS Sports' Matt Norlander that Wade has agreed to a seven-year contract with LSU. This transition comes as LSU prepares to part ways with their current head coach, Matt McMahon, with the change expected to be official on Thursday.
Wade's decision to leave NC State follows a meeting with Wolfpack officials on Wednesday night regarding a final contract enhancement offer. Despite these discussions, Wade chose to accept LSU's offer and was scheduled to board a flight to Baton Rouge Thursday afternoon. According to 247Sports, he will soon be formally introduced as LSU's next head coach.
In his statement, Wade expressed gratitude to the NC State community, stating, "First, I want to thank Chancellor Woodson, Boo Corrigan, and the entire NC State community for the opportunity to lead this historic program over the past year. My family and I have felt nothing but warmth from the Wolfpack family, and for that, we are eternally grateful." He acknowledged that while he intended to build a long-term program in Raleigh, the call to return to LSU was one he could not ignore. "LSU is a place where we have unfinished business, and the chance to reunite with this administration and fanbase was a calling I had to answer," Wade said.
He also praised the NC State players for their resilience, highlighting their ability to return the program to the NCAA Tournament amid adversity. Wade thanked the fans for their passion and expressed optimism for the future of NC State basketball, ending with a spirited "Geaux Tigers," signaling his renewed commitment to LSU.
Financially, Wade's move involves a buyout from NC State. Although he had multiple years remaining on his contract with the Wolfpack, the buyout clause stands at $5 million, which will reduce to $3 million after April 1. This timing aligns closely with the opening of the college basketball transfer portal, which is set to begin the following week.
LSU is also making notable staffing changes alongside Wade's arrival. The school plans to hire Heath Schroyer from McNeese State as a senior administrator. Schroyer's hiring is significant because he and LSU president Wade Rousse were involved in bringing Wade to McNeese previously. Additionally, Lee Mallett, a businessman from southwest Louisiana who is close to Wade, serves as the chairman of LSU's Board of Supervisors and played a key role in facilitating this coaching hire.
To support Wade's efforts in rebuilding the team, LSU is reportedly increasing the resources available through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives. This strategic move aims to bolster the program's recruiting and roster-building capabilities.
Wade's history with LSU is notable. During his previous five-year tenure, he led the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament three times. However, his time there ended in 2022 when he was fired following a notice of allegations from the NCAA connected to recruiting violations uncovered via a wiretap investigation.
Following his departure from LSU, Wade spent a year at McNeese State, where he served a 10-game suspension and was subject to a two-year show-cause penalty related to the NCAA violations. Despite these setbacks, he achieved significant success at McNeese, compiling a 50-9 record over two seasons and guiding the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances. A first-round tournament victory over Clemson in 2025 helped Wade secure the head coaching position at NC State.
Wade had previously dismissed rumors linking him to LSU during his time at NC State. Before the Wolfpack's loss to Texas in the NCAA Tournament's First Four, he told reporters, "No, is the job open there? Huh? No? So why would I... Listen, to be very clear I'm excited at NC State. I was hired at NC State to do a job and this wasn't going to take one year." He emphasized his commitment to building the program long-term, noting ongoing discussions with NC State's administration about future plans and improvements.
Even in his final postgame remarks at NC State, Wade expressed a forward-looking mindset for the Wolfpack. "We're going to go back and when the wheels hit the ground, we're going to start preparing for next year," he said. "My eyes are wide-open. I understand what we need to do, but this is unacceptable, losing in Dayton. In some ways, we were fortunate to make the Tournament with this group, but we've got to do a much better job getting guys and making sure we get guys that fit us in the future."
With the transfer portal opening in early April, Wade's immediate priority at LSU will be to evaluate the returning players and decide who fits into his vision for the program moving forward. Several key players from LSU's current roster are eligible to return, including Michael Nwoko, Jalen Reed, Robert Miller, Jalen Reece, Mazi Mosely, Matt Gilhool, and Ron Zipper. Point guard Dedan Thomas, who was averaging 15.3 points and 6.5 assists per game before an injury ended his season prematurely, is also eligible to return.
LSU's current freshman class, including Marcus Vaughns, Owen Foxwell, Herly Brutus, and Kevin Thomas, will have the option to enter the transfer portal due to the coaching change. Several players who have exhausted their eligibility and will not return next season include Max McKinnon, Marquel Sutton, Pablo Tamba, Rashad King, and PJ Carter. This means Wade will face the challenge of reshaping a significant portion of LSU's roster as he prepares for the 2026-27 season.
The coaching change at LSU also opens the door for potential player movement at NC State. The Wolfpack roster will be affected by Wade's departure, with the transfer portal now available to its players. Among those who could follow Wade to LSU is sophomore guard Paul McNeil Jr., who averaged 13.8 points per game this season and was a key contributor for NC State.
Wade's recruiting approach at NC State relied heavily on transfers, having signed eight transfers in his first and only season. Many of these players became central to the team's success and helped lead the Wolfpack back to the NCAA Tournament.
In summary, Will Wade's return to LSU marks a significant shift in both programs. After only one season at NC State, Wade is heading back to Baton Rouge on a seven-year contract, bringing with him a track record of success and a commitment to rebuilding the Tigers' basketball program. LSU is providing him with additional resources and administrative support to facilitate this transition, while NC State now faces the challenge of moving forward without the coach who had quickly become a key figure in their recent basketball resurgence. As the transfer portal opens and roster decisions loom, both programs will be navigating a period of substantial change in the months ahead.