Tar Heels kick off season donning '57 throwback uniforms

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Defending national champion North Carolina has opened the season wearing something a little different: a touch of red.

Larry Drew in the throwback uniform. (US Presswire)

The Tar Heels faced Florida International on Monday night wearing throwback uniforms to honor the 1957 national championship team, which included some reddish trim along the waistband of the shorts and along the neckline of the jersey.

It's part of the program's yearlong celebration of its centennial season, during which the Tar Heels planned to wear throwback uniforms to commemorate each of their national championship teams.

North Carolina won its fifth NCAA championship last season and second in five years. The school claims a national championship for an unbeaten season in 1924.