Ohio State announced late Friday afternoon the Buckeyes will not get back an All-Big Ten defensive player as expected when they face Kent State on Saturday.
According to a statement from a school spokesman, junior defensive end Noah Spence is ineligible to play against the Golden Flashes because of a university and Big Ten Conference rule violation.
Spence, a former five-star recruit from Harrisburg, Pa., has missed the last three Ohio State games -- including the first two of this season and the Orange Bowl at the conclusion of last year -- after reportedly failing a drug test during the week of the Big Ten Championship Game in early December.
An All-Big Ten first-team selection last season when he finished second in the league with eight sacks, Spence was expected to provide a needed boost to the Buckeyes' pass rush after they lost last week to Virginia Tech 35-21.
However, Spence has reportedly failed another drug test. The Columbus Dispatch reported Friday that he apparently tested positive for ecstasy and that he told his parents he has a "medical illness" for which he is seeking treatment.
What is next for Spence personally and when he might be able to return to the football field are unclear at this time, but according to the school's statement, "Ohio State and the Spence family are continuing to work with the Big Ten until there is final resolution to this matter."
Senior Steve Miller has started the first two games for the Buckeyes in Noah's end spot and totaled four tackles.
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