This is a major win for Michigan State, but a total disappointment for Clemson. In late May, the extensive search to find a new president was over, with Kevin Guskiewicz reportedly taking the job, getting ready to say goodbye to the Big Ten for the ACC. Now, in a flash and in a total surprise, Clemson's search for a new president is back on.
That's because Guskiewicz has done a 180, deciding to stay at Michigan State, informing Clemson that he won't be taking the job after all. How in the world can this happen? A deal was in place, and Guskiewicz was locked in to take over at Clemson. Instead, he has left the university out to dry in a move that understandably will have Tigers fans downright livid.
The Clemson University Board of Trustees was notified today (7/6/26) that Kevin Guskiewicz has chosen to remain at Michigan State University for personal reasons. The national search had a robust pool of candidates, and the Board will be meeting soon to determine next steps.
— Clemson University (@ClemsonUniv) July 6, 2026
Kevin Guskiewicz will stay at Michigan State in a move Clemson surely didn't see coming
According to 247Sports' reporter Justin Thind, Guskiewicz and the Spartans were able to negotiate a new deal, which will lead to him getting $1 million a year as part of a five-year extension. Sorry, but the optics here are not great at all. Originally, Guskiewicz agreed to become the new Clemson president back on May 27.
This had Tigers fans excited for the future, as Guskiewicz felt like a solid hire at the time. However, there was no first day on the new job finalized, which clearly left the door open for some things to go down behind the scenes Clemson wasn't ready for. This, of course, didn't happen in the last few hours either.
Clearly it looks like Michigan State was working to gauge Guskiewicz's interest in staying home in East Lansing instead of packing his bags for South Carolina. While Clemson is presenting a calm image on social media with its release and announcement, you can imagine how upset people are right now, with things only made worse with MSU fans celebrating with some jabs:
— Matt Albert (@MALBERT_773) July 6, 2026
You got bodied by Michigan St😹😹😹How embarrassing
— Terry Smith Glazer (@tonygoatjas) July 6, 2026
LITTLE UNIVERSITY
— Cedar Village Bagel (@CVBagel) July 6, 2026
Y'all got bullied
— Ericks🟢n Kiva Presented by Acrisure (@EricksonKiva) July 6, 2026
Sheesh. When Guskiewicz took the job too, he told Clemson writer Chapel Fowler that the plan was for him to be with the Tigers for the long haul. Instead, he's now never going to even make his way to campus. Make it make sense.
"That's certainly our goal," Guskiewicz told Fowler on wanting to be at Clemson for an extended period of time. "It's a place where people say there's something in the heels. I've read about this, there's something about the place, and yes, I think as I said earlier, South Carolina is the fastest growing state in the country. I think there's opportunities for Clemson to expand its footprint and to be part of the state at large."
Guskiewicz went on to add that he was excited about traveling all over the state to meet with alumni and fans. So much for that idea. The hope is now that Clemson can get back to the drawing board, and pursue candidates who are locked in with helping build Clemson as a whole. Maybe one day we can look back on Guskiewicz doing this as a blessing in disguise, but for now, it just stinks big time.
Add us as a preferred source on Google