SOUTH BEND, Ind. — For decades, Notre Dame has tried to balance its desire to be one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country while still maintaining a football program that could compete on a national level.

In the last year, those two dynamics have never been more at odds, with numerous academic suspensions rocking the school’s athletic department.

But none may have had the impact or reach as what leaked out Friday, with the school likely suspending four players after the conclusion of an internal investigation into academic fraud, according to multiple reports.

Sources on campus at Notre Dame told the Tribune there was an investigation that took place but could confirm the status of the four players in question - receiver DaVaris Daniels, cornerback KeiVarae Russell, defensive lineman Ishaq Williams and linebacker Kendall Moore.

Yahoo Sports first reported the school’s internal investigation while Fox Sports first reported the impending suspensions.

More than a year ago, starting quarterback Everett Golson was suspended for the 2013 season after he was caught cheating on an exam.

However, he was allowed to return to Notre Dame for the winter semester and is back as the starter.

Guard Jerian Grant on Notre Dame’s basketball team missed the Irish’s final 20 games after he was suspended for the spring semester for an academic transgression. Daniels was previously suspended for the spring semester for academic reasons.

It is not clear if the four players dismissed in the recent investigation will be allowed to return to the school.