LSU, Will Wade reunion shows much has changed in college athletics since controversial previous exit

At any other point in the NCAA's history, Wade's scandal-fueled first run in Baton Rouge would have been the end of their story. But in today's college sports landscape, where players don't have to broker deals under the table to get paid, a coach discussing payments is as natural as conversations regarding X's and O's. In other words, Wade will fit right back at home on the bayou.

For LSU, the rekindled romance makes perfect sense. The Tigers were 105-51 in Wade's five seasons, including three March Madness appearances. Over the past four seasons under McMahon, LSU has gone 60-70, including 17-55 against SEC competition, with no trips to the Big Dance.

As the sport evolves in the era of NIL and the transfer portal, Wade's past actions are no longer the unforgivable sin they were once viewed as being.

Dawkins, who spent over a year in jail as part of the scandal, with federal prosecutors accusing him of defrauding the University of Louisville, is also back to representing college athletes, including 2025-26 five-star Louisville Cardinals freshman Mikel Brown Jr. 

He received a much stiffer punishment than Wade, who only spent one year out of coaching before landing back on his feet at McNeese, but Dawkins' ability to re-enter the college athletics space is another example of how much has changed in less than a decade since that Adidas scandal first erupted in 2017.

Still, considering the messiness of Wade's prior stint as LSU coach, his return is a bit of a stunner. It could also only happen in this current era. Dawkins arguably described the situation best in a 2024 interview with Sportico while describing his own reconnection with Louisville.

"There’s no permanent enemies in business, and there are no permanent friends," Dawkins said.

It wasn't that long ago that Wade was so toxic that LSU had no choice but to cut ties. Just four years later, the prodigal son is returning.  Despite a rocky end to LSU and Wade's first union, the two may have a better chance at success together than apart. What once would have seemed ludicrous is, in today's age, simply good business.