Will Wade ‘expected’ to depart NC State for LSU, per report
By Luke Greco
Published:
Will Wade is “expected” to leave NC State for LSU, according to Pete Nakos and Joe Tipton. After a three-year departure, the Tennessee native is heading back to LSU to coach the Tigers.
Wade spent the past season with the NC State Wolfpack, where he helped lead the team to a 20-14 record. The Wolfpack were in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament but lost to the Texas Longhorns.
Wade previously coached the Tigers from 2017 through 2022. While his first stint with the Tigers was successful on the court, leading them to a Sweet 16 in the 2018-19 season, his tenure was marred by recruiting violations. Starting in 2019, Wade was suspended by LSU following an FBI wiretap investigation.
Then, in 2020, reports surfaced that the investigation into Wade’s numerous alleged recruiting violations was ongoing and headed to an independent panel. This eventually led to Wade’s termination in 2022 after the NCAA formally served a notice of allegations.
Wade took a full year off before returning to the sidelines at McNeese State, where he helped lead the Cowboys to their first-ever NCAA Tournament win in 2025.
LSU has not yet officially fired Matt McMahon as of publication.
