TAMPA, Fla. — Tennessee wide receiver Bret Smith has been ruled academically ineligible for Monday's Outback Bowl against Penn State.

Smith, who arrived late due to travel problems and academic concerns, was sent home to Arkansas on Saturday morning.

He did not participate in Tennessee's 75-minute workout Saturday morning at the University of South Florida.

"It will be disappointing not to have Bret," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said in a release. "However our academic processes are important to us all, and we will follow academic procedures and err on the side of caution."

On Tuesday, Fulmer said that Smith was appealing a D grade in a major course, when Smith needed a C or better to stay eligible.

Smith arrived in Tampa on Tuesday night and practiced Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

On Wednesday, Fulmer said Smith was eligible and would play against Penn State.

"After examining further Bret's academic performance this semester, the institution determined that he is not eligible to participate in the bowl game," UT athletic director Mike Hamilton said in a statement.

Smith is UT's third-leading receiver behind starters Jayson Swain and Robert Meachem.

Smith caught 39 passes for 453 yards and five touchdowns this season.

Lucas Taylor will likely play in Smith's place in three-receiver sets.