GREENVILLE, S.C. – Coastal Carolina great and George "Buddy" Sasser Hall of Famer Mike Tolbert has been named a finalist for the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) Class of 2025, the organization announced.

Tolbert advanced to the finalist stage following the initial nomination process and is now among the remaining candidates under consideration for induction into the SCFHOF. Finalist voting is open to the public and will run through January 30, 2026, allowing fans, media members, and SCFHOF supporters to cast their votes online at scfootballhof.org.

A member of the 2018 George "Buddy" Sasser Hall of Fame Class, Tolbert played a pivotal role in establishing the Coastal Carolina football program as a dominant force during its early years. He was a standout performer in four of the program's first five seasons and helped lead the Chanticleers to three consecutive Big South Conference championships from 2004–06.

As a senior in 2007, Tolbert earned All-America honors and was voted first-team All-Big South after rushing for 748 yards and nine touchdowns. He concluded his Chanticleer career as the program's third all-time leading rusher.

Following his collegiate career, Tolbert went on to enjoy a successful decade-long tenure in the National Football League. He signed with the San Diego Chargers in 2008 as an undrafted free agent before continuing his career with the Carolina Panthers from 2012–16 and the Buffalo Bills from 2017–18. Over his NFL career, Tolbert earned three Pro Bowl selections and was named a first-team All-Pro twice.

The SCFHOF Class of 2025 will be formally inducted during the organization's 13th Annual Enshrinement Ceremony, scheduled for April 16, 2026, in Greenville, S.C.

For complete coverage of Coastal Carolina football, follow the Chanticleers on social media @CoastalFootball (X), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @goccusports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at www.GoCCUsports.com