COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The three Ohio State players suspended for the first two games of the season have been reinstated by the NCAA and are eligible to play at Miami on Saturday. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith confirmed their reinstatement Tuesday afternoon.

The NCAA then released a statement on the players' return.

Running back Jordan Hall and cornerback Travis Howard, listed as starters in the preseason, and backup safety Corey Brown had been suspended for taking $200 at a Northeast Ohio State charity event. They must repay $200 to charity to make their reinstatement complete.

The Buckeyes believed the initial suspension would last for one game, and operated under that assumption last week, based on precedent in similar NCAA cases involving extra benefits. However, the school realized on Friday that the players would be suspended for last Saturday's game with Toledo as well.

The NCAA continued to ask questions about the violations committed at the dinner, but cleared the players today. A part of the NCAA statement read, "According to the facts submitted by the university, the money was provided by a university booster."

In Ohio State's initial self-report, two of the suspended players said they received money from a former teammate, while another said it came from a booster.

The NCAA statement also said this case was separate from Ohio State's case before the Committee on Infractions, which was heard on Aug. 12.

"Reinstatement decisions are independent of the NCAA enforcement process and typically are made once the facts of the student-athlete’s involvement are determined," read the NCAA statement. "This is typically well in advance of infractions decisions. The enforcement investigation into the Ohio State University is ongoing."

Hall is expected to join the offensive gameplan, though Carlos Hyde should remain the starter at running back. Howard should be one of the Buckeyes' top three corners, though Dominic Clarke has played well while starting in Howard's absence.

The No. 17 Buckeyes (2-0) play at Miami (0-1) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.