JOURNAL SPORTS
The 50th edition of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is in line to have a brand name matchup Dec. 22.
With just over two months to go, the golden anniversary game’s primary tie-ins have been announced: the Big 12 Conference set to face a Pac-12 Legacy team. That combination filled the 2023 I-Bowl when Cal faced Texas Tech, in a contest won 34-14 by the Red Raiders.
The actual 2026 pairings will be set on the first Sunday in December. The local bowl’s participants will depend on the number of bowl eligible (at least six wins) teams from each league.
“We are beyond excited to announce the Big 12 vs. Pac-12 Legacy primary tie-ins for the 50th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl,” said Keith Burton, 2026 Independence Bowl Foundation Chairman. “These conferences create an intriguing matchup for local and regional Independence Bowl fans and national college football fans to enjoy the Independence Bowl wherever they are. We cannot wait to provide local and traveling fans with the southern hospitality we are known for and celebrate 50 years of our bowl game.”
The Big 12 Conference, in its 31st college football season, is off to a strong start, putting its most teams in the AP Top 25 in October league play in over a decade and owning its best non-conference record since becoming a 16-team league. The league’s postseason competition begins with the Big 12 Football Championship on Friday, December 4 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“Growing the Big 12’s postseason opportunities for our institutions is important for our football programs, and it enhances the student-athlete experience within the Conference,” said Big 12 Chief Football and Competition Officer Scott Draper. “We look forward to seeing the Big 12 competing in the 50th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in December as part of an exciting postseason to cap our football season.”
With four current Big 12 teams in the Pac-12 Legacy bowl selection process, available Big 12 teams include Baylor, BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, UCF and West Virginia.
“The Big 12 has been an important part of the Independence Bowl’s fabric throughout our 50-year history, appearing in the game the second most of any conference in college football,” said Burton. “We thank them for being great partners of the Independence Bowl throughout the years and are proud to have them as a primary partner for our 50th edition.”
The Big 12 has appeared 13 times in the Independence Bowl’s first 49 editions, featuring eight different teams.
The available Pac-12 Legacy teams include a mix of teams currently in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten Conference and Big 12, along with two members of the current Pac-12 Conference. Those teams include Arizona, Arizona State, California, Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Utah, Washington and Washington State.
“The Pac-12 Legacy teams provide great options that help raise the profile of the Independence Bowl to college football fans throughout the country and bring exciting brands for our local and regional fans to enjoy,” said Burton. “Some of their teams have been a part of great Independence Bowl games and moments since 1976, and we are excited for another memorable game in December.”
The 50th edition is set to kick off Tuesday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Independence Stadium.