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

Austin American-Statesman reporter Danny Davis joins The Morning Kickoff with Mike "Hardball" Hardge & Mark Henry to break down Texas and Ohio State ahead of one of college football's most anticipated matchups. Danny shares his insight on the Longhorns' biggest challenges, how Texas matches up against the Buckeyes, key players to watch, and what must happen for the Horns to come away with a statement win at DKR.

Fantasy Football Guru Michael Fabiano joins The Morning Kickoff to get you ready for Week 1 of the NFL season. Fabiano discusses the biggest matchup advantages, breakout candidates, risky starts, and players who could win your fantasy week. Get expert advice before setting your lineup and stay ahead of your competition.

The Morning Kickoff with Mike "Hardball" Hardge & Mark Henry gets you ready for the biggest game of the weekend as Texas takes on Ohio State at DKR. The guys break down the biggest key to the matchup: can the Longhorns slow down the Buckeyes' rushing attack? Plus, the critical plays that could decide the game, NFL opening night, LSU talk, and picks for a loaded football weekend. 

Chris Plonsky joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss the continued success and growth of Longhorn Women's Athletics. With 39 years at The University of Texas, Plonsky shares her perspective on building championship programs, supporting student-athletes, elevating women's sports, and maintaining Texas' tradition of excellence. From national success to the future of women's athletics on the Forty Acres, Plonsky provides insight into the leadership, culture, and vision that continue to make Texas one of the premier athletic departments in the country.

Voice of the Houston Texans Marc Vandermeer joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss Houston's expectations for the season and a key question facing the offense: who will step up at wide receiver opposite Nico Collins? Vandermeer breaks down the Texans' outlook, potential breakout playmakers, and what it will take for Houston to make a deep run this season.

he Longhorns have turned the page and shifted their focus to Ohio State. Steve Sarkisian discusses the run game, Texas' preparation, and key injury updates, while Arch Manning shares his mindset and preparation for a marquee matchup. On The Morning Kickoff with Mike Hardge and Mark Henry, the crew reacts to Raheem Biles' standout play, breaks down the pressure surrounding several key coaches, discusses the Cowboys' latest injury setback, and previews Texas vs. Ohio State under the lights at DKR Stadium.

Texas opened the season with a 59-7 win over Texas State, and now the focus shifts to Ohio State. On this Longhorns Monday edition of The Morning Kickoff, we break down Arch Manning's performance, the biggest plays from the opener, defensive standouts like Rasheem Biles and Littleton, and Steve Sarkisian's postgame comments. We also discuss what Texas still needs to clean up before the Buckeyes arrive at DKR, hand out our Stars of the Game, revisit a perfect 16-0 opening weekend for the SEC, and play another round of Start, Bench, or Cut featuring the Rams, Texans, and Broncos defenses. Plus, the NFL season kicks off this Wednesday with a Super Bowl rematch, and you'll hear which player Mark Henry believes the Cowboys should be pursuing before it's too late. All that and more as we get you ready for a huge football week, headlined by Texas vs. Ohio State under the lights at DKR with College GameDay coming to Austin. 

Texas Longhorn legend, former All-Big 12 defensive back, and a respected voice from the locker room, Rod Babers joins The Morning Kickoff to break down Texas football ahead of the season opener against Texas State. Rod shares his perspective on Arch Manning's growth as the leader of the Longhorn offense, what he expects from the Texas defense, and the areas Texas must clean up before SEC play heats up. He also discusses the championship standard inside the program, the mentality required to win at Texas, and what he's watching most closely in Game 1. It's a can't-miss football conversation with one of the most knowledgeable Longhorns to ever wear the Burnt Orange. Hook 'Em.

KVUE's Anne-Parker Clifton joins The Morning Kickoff to preview another exciting season of Texas high school football. From the biggest Friday Night Lights matchups to the players and programs to watch, Anne-Parker breaks down the stories shaping football across the Lone Star State as opening weekend arrives.

It's officially game eve in Austin, and The Morning Kickoff is counting down the final day before Texas opens the 2026 season against Texas State. The crew discusses what Year 6 under Steve Sarkisian means for the Longhorn program, Sark's latest injury updates, and the excitement surrounding Arch Manning as he takes the next step in leading the Longhorn offense. On this Feel Good Friday edition of The Morning Kickoff, the countdown is nearly over. One more sleep until Texas football returns to DKR. Hook 'Em.