UPDATE: CBS Analyst Jon Rothstein says Wade to LSU is ‘on the verge’ after LSU intends to recreate McNeese St. dream team

Welp, folks, I wish I were back here to tell you something different, but the Will Wade to LSU rumors appear to be completely true.

LSU recently hired Wade Rousse, who was the president of McNeese State University, as its new system president and now they’re plucking the McNeese State AD, Heath Schroyer and bringing him over to LSU as a ‘senior administrator.’

Apparently, this is part of an overarching plan to bring back Will Wade to Baton Rouge. Here is CBS analyst Jon Rothstein confirming it.

Sources: LSU is working to hire McNeese’s Heath Schroyer as a Senior Administrator.

The Tigers’ head coaching job is not open, but LSU President Wade Rousse & Schroyer both previously hired NC State’s Will Wade at McNeese & are on the verge of bringing him back to Baton Rouge.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 25, 2026

Meanwhile, there are unconfirmed rumors that a couple of staff members are either gone or on their way out. We will give you the names once those are confirmed.

We’re told that Schroyer coming to LSU is the key. If they are able to move fast and secure him, Wade is likely gone. If not, then it’s a dealbreaker.

But where does that leave NC State? We won’t speculate on that right now, but the options for Wade’s return next year seem to be dwindling.

As for Schroyer, here are a few things…

Here are some notable quotes from Heath Schroyer (McNeese State athletic director) about Will Wade during his time at McNeese.

On the impact Wade has had on the community and program:
“This community desperately needed something to rally around and get behind, and coach Wade and his staff have filled that void and then some. I don’t think Will truly grasps the hope he’s instilled in this community. He’s a rock star.”
“Will Wade has been a game-changer, not only for this program, but this department, this university, and more importantly, this community. He’s been better than I could have ever imagined.”

On believing in second chances and the hiring decision despite criticism:
“I believe in second chances. I believe in Coach (Will Wade), and he and I had some very, very frank, transparent conversations. He’s a great fit here.”
“Will Wade himself needed to be rebuilt, rebranded, needed a rebirth. And I think that the timing was perfect for all of it.”
“I had a lot of people email me and tell me I was crazy, that I hired someone who’s a criminal… But I believed in him, and I believe in second chances. Will Wade’s my guy.”

On Wade’s fit and public perception:
“Coach is a polarizing figure to some, you know, and I think no matter what, some aren’t going to like him. For sure, some of them have come around and some of them haven’t, and that’s OK.”

On the early gamble and Wade’s embrace of the program/community:
“He’s really embraced this community, and this community has embraced him. He’s a great fit in Louisiana, especially in southwest Louisiana.”
“Every time we’re mentioned on ESPN or national TV… I think he (Will Wade) has had a huge impact and an uptick in enrollment.”

Early on during the coaching search (when Wade rumors were swirling):
“I’ve talked to a lot of different coaches and coach Wade has a lot of options… but we’re going to get the right guy that wants to be here, we’re going to get the right guy that chooses to be here, and chooses to embrace the expectations that I have for this program.”

On extending Wade with a record contract after success:
“I couldn’t be more ecstatic to sign Coach Wade to this new contract… What Coach has meant and the impact he has made on this program, University, and community, has been nothing short of amazing.”
“Under his leadership, we have become nationally relevant in men’s basketball and the McNeese brand has become stronger and more recognizable regionally and nationally. There is simply no price you can put on that type of brand recognition.”