Columbus, OH -- (Sports Network) - Ohio State has reportedly suspended a pair of defensive backs for its first two games of the season.

The Columbus Dispatch reported Friday that starting cornerback Donald Washington and backup safety Jamario O'Neal will miss Ohio State's games against Youngstown State and Ohio University. The first game for both players will be at Southern California on September 13.

The suspensions were for violating unspecified team rules, according to the Dispatch, and neither player explained what rules they broke when contacted by the paper.

Washington, a junior, had 39 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception that he returned 70 yards for a touchdown against Kent State for the Buckeyes last season. The Dispatch said sophomore Chimdi Chekwa is expected to take Washington's spot.

O'Neal logged 14 tackles on defense and special teams for Ohio State last season.

Another starter on the Ohio State defense may be disciplined as well. Junior defensive tackle Doug Worthington was charged by campus police with drunken driving on July 26. Worthington started 11 games for the Buckeyes last season, recording 24 tackles, a sack and an interception.