Will Wade Returned as LSU Basketball Coach

The former coach made a public appearance in Baton Rouge ahead of his first exhibition game back with the Tigers.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Basketball

Will Wade Returned as LSU Basketball Coach

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Will Wade has officially returned as the head coach for the LSU men's basketball team. His tenure comes after he previously led the program from 2017 to 2022 and served as head coach at McNeese State.

Why it matters

The return of the coach marks a shift in leadership for the program as it prepares for the upcoming basketball season. Wade spoke to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on Wednesday to discuss the team's outlook following the announcement of his return in March 2026.

Will Wade previously served as the LSU head coach for five seasons. His tenure follows the long-standing record of Harry Rabenhorst, who coached the team for 29 seasons.

The players

Will Wade

He is the head coach of the LSU men's basketball team who previously led the program from 2017 to 2022.

Harry Rabenhorst

He is a former head coach who held the longest tenure in LSU basketball history with 29 seasons.

Rotary Club of Baton Rouge

This is a local service organization that hosted the head coach for a speaking engagement.

The details

Wade addressed members of the Rotary Club at Druscilla Place Catering around noon on Wednesday. Following the event, the team is set to transition into game action with an exhibition matchup against McNeese.

Wade served as LSU head coach from 2017 to 2022.
His return to the university was officially announced in March 2026.
Wade spoke to the Rotary Club on October 7, 2026.
LSU plays an exhibition game against McNeese on October 8, 2026.
The team starts its season against LSU New Orleans on November 3, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This coaching transition redefines the expectations for the LSU men's basketball program as it attempts to move past previous instability. By referencing the stability of Harry Rabenhorst's 29-season tenure, the program aims to establish a new era of consistency following the departure from McNeese State.

LSU will play its exhibition game against McNeese on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Fans and analysts should track the team's performance leading into the official season opener against LSU New Orleans on November 3.

The takeaway

The team enters the new season with a familiar leader at the helm after his time away at McNeese State. Supporters should look for adjustments to the team's rotation during the upcoming exhibition games.