Joey Bosa, Jalin Marshall among 4 Buckeyes banned for policy violations

— -- CHICAGO -- Ohio State will open its national title defense without two of its most valuable players, including All-American defensive end Joey Bosa.

Citing a violation of athletic department policy, the Buckeyes announced Thursday suspensions for Bosa, H-backs Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson and wide receiver Corey Smith, increasing the degree of difficulty when they visit Virginia Tech on Sept. 7.

Bosa is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and is projected as a potential No. 1 draft pick if he elects to skip his senior season, as is widely expected.

Marshall emerged as one of Ohio State's most versatile weapons on the way to the championship a year ago, piling up yardage as both a receiver and a rusher and helping expand Urban Meyer's spread offense.

Wilson and Smith combined for 41 catches for 555 yards.

Meyer has not publicly commented on the discipline, but he is expected to speak at Big Ten media days later Thursday. The Hokies were the only team to beat them last season.

Ohio State is No. 1 in the preseason coaches poll, which was released Thursday.