Will Wade Returned to LSU for Press Conference
The head coach held his first public briefing in Baton Rouge since rejoining the LSU basketball program this March.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Basketball
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LSU basketball head coach Will Wade spoke at a press conference on September 23, 2026, marking his first such appearance since being rehired by the university. Wade, who previously led the Tigers from 2017 to 2022, returns to Baton Rouge after coaching at McNeese State and North Carolina State.
Why it matters
Wade's return signals a new chapter for the program following his 2022 firing and subsequent stints at other institutions. His focus now shifts to finalizing a competitive roster for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
The school currently lists four players on its official website out of a projected 12-man roster. Wade previously recorded a 25-5 record during the 2018-19 season while managing the team from 2017 to 2022.
The players
Will Wade
He is the head basketball coach at LSU who was previously fired by the school in 2022 before being rehired in March 2026.
Skyy Clark
He is a transfer player from UCLA who committed to play for LSU under coach Will Wade.
Donovan Dent
He is a transfer basketball player from UCLA who joined the LSU program during the summer recruiting period.
The details
Wade utilized the summer months to secure new commitments, including transfers Skyy Clark and Donovan Dent from UCLA. These additions were made in anticipation of the team's first practice, which took place on September 22, 2026.
Timeline
March 12, 2022: LSU fired Will Wade after his initial tenure.
March 30, 2026: Will Wade was officially introduced as the new LSU coach.
September 22, 2026: LSU held its first day of practice.
September 23, 2026: Will Wade held his first press conference since his return.
October 8, 2026: The Tigers begin their exhibition season against McNeese State.
Season Trajectory
Wade's return shifts the competitive balance of the SEC as he looks to rebuild the program after his 2022 departure. The success of this new roster will determine if the team can reclaim the performance heights achieved during his previous tenure.
The transition from a four-man roster to a 12-man squad will dictate the team's depth and rotation during the opening exhibition matches. Fans and analysts should monitor the official roster release for the remaining eight scholarship distributions.
The takeaway
Wade faces the immediate challenge of integrating new transfers into a largely unconfirmed roster before the exhibition opener. Success in the 2026-27 season will depend on how quickly these new pieces solidify under his leadership.
What happens next
LSU is scheduled to begin its exhibition season on October 8, 2026, at McNeese State, followed by the regular season opener against LSU-New Orleans on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming season, visit the Basketball page.
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