COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jamal Marcus, in the mix to start at defensive end for Ohio State this fall, is transferring out of the Buckeyes program.

Ohio State confirmed Tuesday that it had reached a mutual decision with Marcus that it would be best for him to transfer.

The redshirt junior had academic problems in the spring. A native of Durham, North Carolina, Marcus replaced Noah Spence in the starting lineup at the Orange Bowl against Clemson. Spence was suspended for three games for allegedly using an outlawed stimulant.

Marcus had six tackles, including three solo, and knocked down a pass in the bowl game. He was considered a strong contender to start in place of Spence the first two games this fall.