50th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Slated for Big 12 vs. Pac-12 Legacy Matchup

SHREVEPORT, La. (Oct. 14, 2026) – With just over two months to go until the 50th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, set to kick off Tuesday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. CST at Independence Stadium, the golden anniversary game’s primary tie-ins have been announced: the Big 12 Conference set to face a Pac-12 Legacy team. 

“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 50th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl hits the field Tuesday, December 22, in primetime at 7:30 p.m. CST on ESPN. Fans can join the celebration of the Independence Bowl’s half-century by purchasing tickets at RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/tickets. Ticket packages include individual and group tickets, Pizza Hut Family 4-Packs, Small Business Fan Packs and premium options.

Big 12 Conference

The Big 12 Conference, in its 31st college football season, is off to a historic start. The Conference has placed its most teams in the AP Top 25 in October league play in over a decade and boasts 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 7 p.m. CT on ABC 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 last Big 12 team to play in the Independence Bowl was Texas Tech in 2023. Head coach Joey McGuire’s Red Raiders defeated California 34-14.

Pac-12 Legacy

The available Pac-12 Legacy teams include a mix of teams currently in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), 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.”

For information on Independence Stadium rules and the clear bag policy, please visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/stadium-rules. Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl fans can visit OpportunityLouisiana.gov to explore why Louisiana businesses are positioned to win. 

ABOUT THE RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL™

Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ is college football’s 11th most historic bowl game, with the 50th anniversary game set for Tuesday, December 22, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. CST on ESPN. Radiance Technologies is the bowl’s title sponsor through at least the 2027 Bowl Season. 

The Independence Bowl Foundation is a prominent presence in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to enhance the economic impact and growth of our community. The Mission of the Independence Bowl is to attract and provide quality, nationally recognized football competition oriented to the Ark-La-Tex region. For more information, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com or follow the bowl on Facebook, X and Instagram at @IndyBowl.