NC State's Will Wade Vows to 'Win Big' With Wolfpack

Coach dismisses speculation about potential LSU opening, says he's focused on building success at NC State.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:03pm

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NC State men's basketball coach Will Wade said he is determined to 'win big' with the Wolfpack, dismissing speculation that he might return to LSU if that job became open. Wade, who previously coached at LSU from 2017-22, said he is excited about the future at NC State and has already met with the administration about making changes to put the program where it 'deserves long-term'.

Why it matters

Wade's comments come as NC State appears headed to the NCAA Tournament in his first season, despite the team stumbling down the stretch. His commitment to building success at NC State is seen as an important step in stabilizing the program after several down years.

The details

NC State lost 81-74 to Virginia in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament on Thursday. The Wolfpack beat Pittsburgh in the opening round but have lost six of their last seven games to close the regular season. Wade said 'this year hasn't gone exactly how we wanted it to,' but vowed the team will 'rally and we're going to work hard, and we're going to have a team next year that's ready to roll.'

  • NC State lost to Virginia in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals on March 12, 2026.
  • NC State beat Pittsburgh in the opening round of the ACC Tournament on March 11, 2026.

The players

Will Wade

The head coach of the NC State men's basketball team, who previously coached at LSU from 2017-22.

Boo Corrigan

The athletic director of NC State University.

Matt McMahon

The current head coach of the LSU men's basketball team, who has had one winning record in four seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Look, we're going to win and we're going to win big at NC State. That's what we're going to do. That's what we're going to do moving forward. We have the resources we need. We have what we need, and it's on me and my staff to get the job done.”

— Will Wade, Head Coach, NC State (washingtonpost.com)

“I was hired at NC State to do a job. This wasn't going to take one year. I've already met with our administration about next year and some of the changes that we need to make and some of the things that we need to do to put this program where it deserves long-term.”

— Will Wade, Head Coach, NC State (washingtonpost.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.