The University of North Carolina announced that its football program will don 1980 throwback jerseys throughout the 2026 season, a tribute to the stadium’s first century of operation.
Honoring the Past
The 1980 squad, which captured the ACC championship and finished with an 11‑1 record while ranked in the top ten, featured standout talents such as Lawrence Taylor, Amos Lawrence and Donnell Thompson. The jerseys bear the distinctive UNC stairstep logo that famously appeared on Bill Belichick’s apparel in 2025.
Six home games will be dedicated to celebrating former Tar Heels, with the program planning to showcase its five retired jerseys and highlight additional honored jerseys throughout Kenan Stadium.
The schedule for the centennial season includes matchups against East Tennessee State, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Miami, Louisville and N.C. State, marking head coach Bill Belichick’s second year at the helm.
Stadium Enhancements
Alongside the nostalgic apparel, UNC will unveil a suite of upgrades to Kenan Stadium, including a modernized sound system, larger videoboards and new ribbon boards that will display real‑time statistics and sponsor messages.
The press box is undergoing a renovation, and a special 100th‑season logo will be released on merchandise, giving fans a tangible way to commemorate the milestone.
Incoming athletics director Steve Newmark expressed enthusiasm about the celebrations, noting that the centennial provides a unique opportunity to connect current fans with the program’s rich history while investing in facilities that meet modern expectations.
Kenan Stadium first opened its gates in 1927 and has since hosted 551 UNC football contests, compiling a career record of 328‑207‑16 for the Tar Heels.