Here are some takeaways from the first LSU Tigers men's basketball schedule for the return of Will Wade.
On Tuesday, the LSU Tigers men's basketball program released their schedule for the 2026/2027 campaign, the return of Will Wade.
This has been an interesting offseason as Wade has been rebuilding the entire roster, and there are still just four players officially announced. Still, the expectation is that the rest of the pieces will fall into place and they will be ready for the first exhibition at McNeese State in 72 days on October 8.
Here are a couple of takeaways from the schedule reveal:
Not Shying Away From Tough Non-Conference Opponents
Whether officially announced or not, Wade clearly feels strong that he is going to be able to put together a competitive team right away in Baton Rouge. He has earned some confidence with how quickly he was able to build NCAA tournament-quality teams at his previous stops. There is more room to make up with LSU, though.
Even before getting to the SEC, Wade has already guaranteed that the Tigers will face the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Houston Cougars, a tough mid-major in High Point and enrolled them in the Acrisure Series.
Will Wade Must Rely On The Experience Of His Players
This goes along with the last one, but the first exhibition game being just 72 days away with a third of the roster announced has to be at least somewhat worrisome. The good news is that the players they are relying on have played a lot of organized basketball. They will have to hope that the experience they are bringing to the table will make up for the lack of time together before the season begins. As mentioned before, the games get tough quickly.
Solid Home Conference Schedule
The Tigers get to host both the Florida Gators and the Texas Longhorns, who are expected to be the two best teams in the conference for the coming season. The only two really elite teams they have to face on the road are the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Kentucky Wildcats. The Tennessee Volunteers, Vanderbilt Commodores and Ole Miss Rebels all come to Baton Rouge.
A Couple Of Reunions Coming
There will be a couple of interesting reunions happening throughout the year. The first time this team touches the court will be on the road against the McNeese State Cowboys, where Wade went after LSU.
Next will be a reunion in name only as the Tigers take on DJ Thomas and the Cougars, as Thomas was supposed to be the face of the program in Baton Rouge under McMahon, though injuries had other plans.
Mo Dioubate will be the defensive anchor for LSU and will face the Kentucky Wildcats on the road in the middle of January.
Lastly, it will be when LSU faces Jalen Reece and the Texas A&M Aggies later in the year.
