Boise State sent linebacker Tyson Maeva home on Monday for a violation for team standards before the First Responder Bowl in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday.
The junior was second for total tackles on defense with 61. He also had four sacks this season.
Maeva's dismissal comes on the heels of wide receiver John Hightower and running back Robert Mahone not playing in the bowl game due to academics.
The university did not state what Maeva did to violate team standards and to be sent home before the bowl game.
The Broncos are now entering their matchup with Boston College (7-5) missing their second and third leading tacklers and two of the four leading rushers.
The defense already has three defensive starters out with injuries, including linebacker Riley Whimpley with a torn ACL.