Will Wade is going to use the high school ranks, too.
LSU picked up its first prep commitment of this Wade era in Jordan Bender. The 6-foot-8 forward played for Northside Christian School in Florida last season and will join the 2026-27 LSU roster.
The recruiting sites do not have a profile on Bender, and he doesn’t have any highlights on YouTube. Wade suggested publicly that the 2026-27 roster would be focuses around the top eight or nine players. The rest would fill the back half but may not command top dollar.
Bender appears to fit that profile. LSU’s roster is still in flux as summer begins. The group will features plenty of international flavor and some former professionals. Eligibility issues will have to be worked out prior to school beginning in August.
