After leading McNeese State to consecutive NCAA tournaments, Will Wade became North Carolina State’s head coach. Following a single season at NCSU, he returned to Louisiana to take the LSU job, which he previously held from 2017 to 2022.
As he works to rebuild the Tigers’ program, Wade has significant work to do in the transfer portal, and social media is reacting strongly to the lack of moves thus far.
Social Media Roasts New HC Will Wade Over LSU’s Roster Lacking Players
From 2017 to 2022, Wade led the Tigers to three NCAA tournaments and winning 67.3% of its games. In 2019, his voice was captured on an FBI-approved wiretap regarding recruiting violations, prompting the school to modify his contract.
He remained until his 2022 termination for the violations. Now, Wade returns to LSU this spring with an empty roster, prompting swift responses on social media.
Will Wade has some work to do this offseason… 👀
LSU currently has ZERO players on their roster 🤯 pic.twitter.com/8ehrjThrR8
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 17, 2026
“Will Wade has some work to do this offseason…” Field of 68 wrote. “LSU currently has ZERO players on their roster.”
The Tigers lost five players to eligibility and nine to the transfer portal. During Matt McMahon’s tenure as head coach from 2022 to 2024, LSU went 60-70 and failed to reach the postseason in each of those seasons. Now that Wade is starting from square one, concerns have grown in the SEC, especially amid the demands of the NIL era.
LSU’s current roster!!!!!! https://t.co/9lLRM2g61b
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 17, 2026
“LSU’s current roster!!!!!!” college basketball insider Jeff Goodman posted.
In the SEC, teams jockey for position, competing with others who have recent tournament success. Yet, a few traditional powers continue to struggle, highlighting the difficulty Wade faces in elevating LSU’s program.
Somehow still doing worse than Mark Pope. https://t.co/24C2JX9YUg
— Ryan Mela Supporter 🦈 (@FriarsCapital) April 17, 2026
“Somehow still doing worse than Mark Pope,” one influencer added, poking fun at the Kentucky Wildcats.
When John Calipari left for Arkansas, Kentucky hired Pope away from BYU. Despite one of the most lucrative budgets, Pope holds a 46-26 record, drawing criticism from many disappointed observers. This illustrates the scrutiny coaches like Wade face.
Others, however, view Wade’s challenges as part of the modern game, where frequent player transfers are now the norm.
This is a microcosm of college basketball roster building in 2026. https://t.co/Yi5OHcTeRF
— Ryan Burke (@ryanburke24) April 17, 2026
“This is a microcosm of college basketball roster building in 2026,” another influencer chimed in.
Wade returned to a school he knew well, though many disagreed with his earlier departure. As the debate continues, reactions to his return are mixed.
Even in a landscape where money talks, sometimes it actually does matter when you build an entire coaching staff of absolute snakes, led by the biggest snake in College Basketball. And you can’t tell me it’s a coincidence, either. LSU apparently has a “war chest” to spend 💀 https://t.co/SA38wO1qJH
— Alex (@RealSFDynasty) April 17, 2026
“Even in a landscape where money talks, sometimes it actually does matter when you build an entire coaching staff of absolute snakes, led by the biggest snake in college basketball. And you can’t tell me it’s a coincidence, either. LSU apparently has a ‘war chest’ to spend,” another influencer added.
Meanwhile, NC State’s athletic director criticized Wade’s handling of his departure. Fans also objected to how the coach left town. Yet, with LSU boasting one of the most successful athletic departments in terms of revenue, Wade appears well-positioned to replenish the roster quickly. The question remains: how will LSU fare with Wade back at the helm?
