The Morning Kick-Off w/Mike Hardball Hardge & Mark Henry

As Texas and Texas State get set to kick off the 2026 season, Keff Ciardello, host of the Texas State podcast "Win or Get Bent," joins The Morning Kickoff to provide the Bobcats' perspective ahead of Week 1. Keff discusses the outlook for Texas State, the team's strengths and concerns heading into the opener, players Longhorn fans should know, and where the Bobcats believe they can challenge Texas. Plus, he shares expectations for the season and the overall direction of the program as it prepares for a trip to Austin. For more Texas State football coverage, analysis, and insider insight, check out Keff's podcast, "Win or Get Bent." 

With kickoff just three days away, The Morning Kickoff dives into the biggest storyline surrounding Texas football: Will Muschamp's defense. From player reactions and cultural changes to the differences between Muschamp and Pete Kwiatkowski, the crew explores why expectations are soaring for the Longhorns' defense in 2026. Plus, who emerges as the star of the defense, what fans need to see against Texas State, and whether Texas should comfortably cover the 30.5-point spread in Game 1.

The NFL regular season is here, and The Morning Kickoff welcomes the longtime Voice of the Houston Texans, Marc Vandermeer, to discuss everything surrounding Houston as Week 1 approaches. Vandermeer joins Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry to break down the Texans' expectations for the season, key roster storylines, biggest strengths and concerns, and what fans should watch for when Houston takes the field. From the quarterback situation to playoff aspirations, it's a comprehensive look at the Texans as they prepare to kick off another season in Houston. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the most trusted voices covering the Texans. 

The countdown is officially on. With Texas State just days away, the focus turns to Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian, and a Longhorn team carrying championship expectations. On this Turn The Page Tuesday edition of The Morning Kickoff, Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry break down Sark's latest comments, the outlook for Texas' skill positions and offensive line, what should concern fans most before kickoff, and why this season could define the next chapter of Texas football. Plus, NFL headlines, Cowboys talk, a look at local players making NFL rosters, and a deep dive into the weight of expectations surrounding Arch as Texas sits just four days away from Game 1. 

Texas football is back, and the countdown to kickoff is on. Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry break down Sark's final scrimmage, the biggest concerns heading into Week 1, what defines success in Year 6, and the five things Texas must show against Texas State. Plus, College Football Zero Week reactions, the 49ers' wild offseason, Cowboys and Texans roster updates, SEC Week 1 previews, and Longhorns making NFL rosters. Hook 'Em and welcome to a Longhorn Monday edition of The Morning Kickoff on Sports Radio 1300 The Zone

Longhorn legend Jackson Jeffcoat joined the show to discuss his induction into the University of Texas Hall of Honor, reflect on the journey that earned him recognition as one of the program's all-time greats, share what stands out about current Longhorn pass rushers Colin Simmons and Lance Jackson, and explain why he's excited about the potential of this year's Texas team as the Longhorns prepare for a highly anticipated season.

With just eight days until kickoff, Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry break down Texas' final scrimmage, position battles, and the latest from Steve Sarkisian and Arch Manning. The guys also question why so much attention is given to perceived issues at Texas while concerns surrounding Texas A&M continue to fly under the radar. Plus, Week Zero previews, NFL storylines, Cowboys and Texans news, and more on The Morning Kickoff. 

It's a Thirsty Thursday edition of The Morning Kickoff with Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry as the countdown to Texas Football continues with just 9 days until kickoff. The guys break down what they're hoping to see from the Longhorns' final fall camp scrimmage, discuss Arch Manning's leadership, and why Texas' defense could be the story of the season. Plus, Eric Henry of Horns247 joins the show to discuss the latest from the Forty Acres, including Trevor Goosby's injury status, fall camp takeaways, and what to watch as Texas gets closer to Game 1. The crew also tackles coaching hot seats across college football, TCU's media controversy, NFL preseason storylines, and the latest on the Astros and Rangers

College football is finally here, and we're diving into some of the biggest storylines heading into the season. Danny Davis of the Austin American-Statesman joins the show to talk all things Texas Longhorns football, including Arch Manning's growth as a leader and how he's learning to embrace his own style while guiding the Longhorns into a highly anticipated season. We also discuss the Longhorns players who earned spots on the Top 100 Athletes list, what those recognitions mean for Texas, and which players could have the biggest impact this fall. Danny shares his insights from around the program, key position battles, expectations for the season, and why the Longhorns are once again among the most talked-about teams in college football. Plus, with the NFL season approaching, we break down the remaining positions of need for both the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys, examining where each team could still improve and what moves might make sense before the season kicks off. All on a Wayback Wednesday Edition of The Morning Kickoff with Mike "Hardball' Hardge & Mark Henry!

Dallas Cowboys beat writer Tommy Yarrish joins the show to discuss the latest developments surrounding America's Team. We dive into Jerry Jones' recent comments, explore potential roster moves Dallas could still make before the season, and examine why Joe Milton is gaining momentum as the Cowboys' QB2 option. Tommy also shares insights from training camp, evaluates key position battles, and discusses what fans should be watching as the Cowboys finalize their roster.