Will Wade and the LSU Tigers played one of their exhibition contests against McNeese in the lead-up to the 2026-27 season. However, the roster outlook paved the way for questions before the regular season commences.

Wade starts his second stint with the Tigers, previously coaching the program from 2017 to 2022. Following stops at McNeese and NC State, Wade reunited with LSU, picking up where he left off.

LSU played against McNeese, which made sense to Wade as it was his former team. However, the game saw the Tigers' starting five be on the court for nearly the entire game. Wade reflected on the events after the game, hoping to resolve that situation before the season starts.

“The Tigers, who eked out a 63-60 win, played their five starters for almost the entire game. Head coach Will Wade, making his debut on the bench for LSU after being fired from the same position in 2022, described his program as “shorthanded.” Just one day before the game, the team only had four players listed on its online roster. Wade said that he didn’t find out until 3:30 p.m. local time Thursday that one of his starters, Michael Ruzic, was fully cleared to play against McNeese,” reporter Amanda Christovich wrote.

“If this wasn’t McNeese, I would not have come tonight,” said Wade, who coached McNeese during his interlude between LSU stints. “This was not putting our guys in the best situation to come here and do this. … but ‘Neese sold tickets, I told them I was coming.”

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Wade led LSU to postseason action throughout his initial stint, including three NCAA Tournament berths. His March Madness streak continued at McNeese and NC State, pushing it to five consecutive berths since 2022. The Tigers seek significant improvement, going 15-17 last season that includes a dismal 3-15 showing in SEC action.

The Tigers' campaign will begin at home. They host the LSU-New Orleans Privateers as tip-off takes place on Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. ET.