Locked On LSU - Daily Podcast On LSU Tigers Football & Basketball

Wade’s First Presser Was LOADED: Budget Denial, Staff Targets & Portal Push

Mar 31, 2026

Will Wade, the college coach returning to lead LSU basketball, lays out his return in blunt terms. He discusses roster control as the GM, staff plans with a compact coaching group, and a transfer portal push before April 7. He also addresses budget expectations, warns of possible first-year sticker shock, and explains how state alignment and fundraising will shape the rebuild.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Political And Administrative Alignment Drove The Hire

Will Wade cited alignment from governor to university leadership as a primary reason for returning to LSU.
He named Jeff Landry, Lee Mallett, and Dr. Wade Roos as key aligned figures whose support made the move feasible.

ANECDOTE

Wade's Postpresser Walkthrough Showed Emotional Bond

Will Wade spent nearly an hour after the press conference greeting students, boosters, and fans to show his personal connection to LSU.
Matt Moscona described it as repeated long embraces and high-fives that underscored the emotional reason Wade returned.

INSIGHT

No Fixed Roster Number But Year One Will Be Expensive

Will Wade denied a fixed $12M–$15M roster budget but signaled LSU will spend aggressively where necessary in Year 1.
He warned of 'sticker shock' in Year 1 because incoming portal transfers and top players 'ain't cheap.'

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Will Wade is back at LSU and didn’t waste time setting the tone. In this episode, we break down Wade denying reports of a $12M roster budget while still signaling LSU will spend aggressively to compete in the SEC.

Wade also detailed the power alignment in Baton Rouge—from Jeff Landry to Lee Mallett to Dr. Wade Rousse—and why that structure matters as much as NIL dollars.

Plus, exclusive insight from Heath Schroyer on roster building, evaluating talent vs. just spending, and where things stand with staff targets.

We also discuss:

Wade taking full GM control of the roster
Transfer portal strategy ahead of April 7
Early roster construction philosophy
Why Year 1 could bring “sticker shock”
The long-term plan built around retention

The LSU basketball reset is officially underway—and it’s aggressive.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Highlights make the reel. But the work behind them makes it count. The all-new Mazda CX-5. More to move every side of you.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

SupplyHouse
Visit https://SupplyHouse.com/tm to learn more about becoming a Trade Master.
Use promo code S-H Five College for 5% off your first order at https://supplyhouse.com.
SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wade’s First Presser Was LOADED: Budget Denial, Staff Targets & Portal Push

Political And Administrative Alignment Drove The Hire

Wade's Postpresser Walkthrough Showed Emotional Bond

No Fixed Roster Number But Year One Will Be Expensive

TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.