A fifth Notre Dame football player will be held out of practice and games as the school's internal investigation into academic misconduct wraps up.

According to a university official, the fifth player is safety Eilar Hardy, a senior from Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

"As Notre Dame's internal investigation relating to potential NCAA violations reaches its conclusion, a decision has been made to hold a fifth football player out from practice and competition," associate athletic director John Heisler said in a statement. "As with all cases of suspected academic dishonesty, the matter will now be subject to the University's honor code process."

Coach Brian Kelly said that he's been informed that the investigation has concluded and he expects hearings and verdicts on the five players to come quickly.

Notre Dame had announced the investigation Aug. 15, suspending receiver DaVaris Daniels, cornerback KeiVarae Russell, defensive end Ishaq Williams and linebacker Kendall Moore. Kelly had said none of those four will play during the No. 17 Fighting Irish's season opener Saturday against Rice.