Wade meets NC State officials as LSU pursuit grows

By Matt Moscona

Will Wade met with NC State officials Wednesday to discuss reports of his possible return to LSU, sources have confirmed to LouisianaSports.net.

Will Wade met with NC State officials Wednesday to discuss reports around a possible return to LSU, source confirms.

NC State is expected to make a competitive offer within 24 hours to keep Wade in Raleigh.

Can confirm LSU is working to bring McNeese AD Heath Schroyer to Baton…

— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) March 25, 2026

NC State is expected to make a competitive offer in an attempt to keep Wade in Raleigh. Wade just finished his first season with the Wolfpack with a 20-14 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance where they lost in a First Four matchup against Texas.

Sources have also confirmed LSU is working to hire McNeese AD Heath Schroyer who was Wade’s chief administrator the last two seasons as the Southland Conference school. With Schroyer and LSU president Wade Rousse–who hired Wade at McNeese–in Baton Rouge, it is thought to be a significant enough lure for Wade to return to LSU.

Wade served as LSU head coach from 2017-2022. He was fired for cause amid NCAA recruiting violations.

Should LSU hire Wade, they would owe NC State a $5 million buyout. That number drops to $3 million after April 1. Sources confirm LSU is willing to wait until that date to make the hire official.

With the coaching carousel spinning and the April 7 transfer portal date approaching, the sides could agree to a settlement of the buyout.

Should Wade choose to remain at NC State, Matt McMahon will return to LSU for a fifth season.