Former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar was ruled ineligible Wednesday to play for Sam Houston State this season but will return in 2007 with two years of eligibility remaining.

Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn were kicked off the Sooners' squad in August for accepting payment for more work than they performed at a car dealership, a violation of NCAA rules.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Bomar transferred to Sam Houston and Quinn to Montana, both Division I-AA schools. Quinn also was ruled ineligible by the NCAA this year but will be allowed to play next season, Montana associate athletic director Dave Guffey said.

Bomar must pay $7,406.88 and Quinn must pay $8,137.17 to charities of their choice for receiving wages for work not performed.

"I am happy to get this behind me," said Bomar, who has been allowed to practice with the Bearkats. "I look forward to having the opportunity to represent Sam Houston State. This decision today will help take the focus off me and put the focus on the team."

Bomar played high school football for his father in the Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie and was one of the nation's top recruits in 2004. He redshirted, then threw for 2,018 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman at Oklahoma, leading the Sooners over Oregon in the Holiday Bowl.

"Obviously, we would have liked for him to able to play in games this season," Sam Houston coach Todd Whitten said. "But, with his experience working with the squad this fall and spring training ahead next year, we look forward to having him as a Bearkat for the next two seasons."