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

Former MLB pitcher and Tampa Bay Rays alum Steve Kent joined The Morning Kickoff to discuss what it takes to succeed at the major league level and how those lessons apply to coaching today's athletes. He shared his approach to developing the next generation of players, why building strong character matters just as much as building talent, and how he helps young athletes become good human beings first. Kent also previewed the upcoming World Series matchup between Tampa Bay and Milwaukee, discussed what makes both clubs dangerous, and explained what he's watching for as the series gets underway.

Anne-Parker Clifton of KVUE joined The Morning Kickoff to discuss why Texas needs a win this weekend and what's at stake if the Longhorns come up short. She explained why she'd like to see the offense simply become more efficient and consistent, even if it isn't explosive, and weighed the potential ramifications of a decision to bench Arch Manning. Anne-Parker also previewed some of the biggest Texas high school football storylines heading into another busy weekend around the state.

Former major leaguer and World Series champion Gary Bennett joined The Morning Kickoff to break down the World Series matchup between Tampa Bay and Milwaukee. Bennett discussed the contrast between old-school and modern baseball philosophies, how today's game is coached differently than in previous eras, and where he sees the sport continuing to evolve. He also shared what he'd like to see from this year's Fall Classic, including a long, competitive seven-game series that showcases baseball at its best.

The pressure continues to build around Texas, and The Morning Kickoff tackled the biggest questions facing the Longhorns ahead of a crucial weekend. We discussed Steve Sarkisian's latest comments on handling expectations, potential offensive adjustments, and the challenge of finding the next players ready to step up. Plus, we debated what changes need to happen, what the trigger point would be for significant moves, previewed the weekend's biggest college football matchups, and looked ahead to what's at stake for Texas moving forward.

Texas is searching for answers as a pivotal matchup draws closer. On this edition of The Morning Kickoff, we discuss what the Longhorns must do offensively to get back on track, why the run game needs to become a bigger part of the identity, and where additional production is needed moving forward. Plus, we examine Texas' injury situation, preview a big weekend across college football, and discuss the storylines shaping the road ahead for the Longhorns.

Texas Women's Basketball Head Coach Vic Schaefer joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss Madison Booker's impact on the program, the development of his freshman class, and how the Longhorns are preparing for the upcoming season through exhibition play. Schaefer also reflects on reaching his goal of selling out the Moody Center and explains how Texas is preparing for another challenging SEC campaign.

Horns247's Eric Henry joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss Texas' injury situation, including the potential impact of being without Colin Simmons and which players may be called upon to step up. Eric also explains why the Longhorns need to establish the run game, how the tight end position can become a bigger factor offensively, and what Texas must do to get back on track. Plus, Eric shares his thoughts on his hometown Tampa Bay Rays reaching the World Series.

Opportunity is still there for Texas, but the results haven't followed. At 4-2, the Longhorns remain very much in the hunt, yet questions continue to surround the offense, the run game, and the team's inability to consistently translate potential into production. As the season enters a critical stretch, the margin for error continues to shrink. On this edition of The Morning Kickoff, we discuss Steve Sarkisian's comments on the offense, what must change for Texas to regain its identity, and why the time for talking about potential is over. If the Longhorns are going to turn their season around, it...

Fantasy football expert Michael Fabiano joins The Morning Kickoff to preview Week 7 and help you gain an edge before kickoff. From must-start players and sleeper picks to potential busts and waiver-wire options, Fabs breaks down everything fantasy managers need to know for the week ahead.

Danny Davis joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss where Texas stands at 4-2 and why the Longhorns still have an opportunity to turn their season around. He explains what's gone wrong, what needs to improve, and why the margin for error is quickly disappearing as Texas enters a pivotal stretch of the season.

Tommy Yarrish joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss the Cowboys' 2-4 start, the defense showing signs of improvement in stretches, and the offense's recent struggles. He explains why Dallas still has a path back into contention, but like Texas, any turnaround needs to start immediately.

Texas football is searching for answers as questions continue to surround Steve Sarkisian, Arch Manning, and an offense looking to regain its identity. The Morning Kickoff breaks down the biggest Longhorn storylines, discusses Texas Basketball's latest developments, recaps the Rays' trip to the World Series, and previews the start of the NBA season. Plus, we debate accountability, leadership, and what needs to change for teams facing high expectations but struggling to meet the moment. It's a packed morning covering the biggest stories from across the sports world. Listen live weekdays from 6-9 AM on Sports Radio 1300 The Zone

Voice of the Texans Marc Vandermeer joins The Morning Kickoff to break down Houston's exciting victory over Jacksonville in London and explain why the upcoming schedule presents a real opportunity for the Texans to build momentum. Vandermeer also discusses Tank Dell's return, the continued growth of C.J. Stroud, and why the young quarterback is showing all the traits of a long-term franchise cornerstone for Houston.

Texas entered the season with championship expectations, but after another disappointing loss, the questions are only getting louder. On today's episode, the crew examines how the Longhorns reached this point, why the offense continues to struggle in crucial moments, and what Steve Sarkisian means when he says everything is being evaluated. We discuss the team's ongoing second-half issues, hand out accountability grades through six games, and debate whether Texas is simply in a rough stretch or facing a much bigger problem. Plus, reactions to a chaotic weekend across college football, thoughts on the Texans and Cowboys, and a look ahead...

Thaddeus Bullard, formerly known as WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil, joins The Morning Kickoff to celebrate Florida's victory over Texas and share his perspective on what the win means for the Gators moving forward. Bullard discusses Florida's growth as a program, why the Gators were able to capitalize on opportunities against the Longhorns, and the confidence surrounding the team after a statement win. He also gives his thoughts on the current state of Texas Football, the challenges the Longhorns are facing, and why he believes the program still has the talent and leadership to bounce back. Plus, Bullard reflects on the...

Texas heads into a pivotal matchup with Florida searching for answers after an inconsistent stretch on offense. The crew breaks down Steve Sarkisian's latest comments, whether it's time to lean into Arch Manning's mobility more often, and what changes could help the Longhorns regain their identity. Plus, discussions on the defense's recent performances, the pressure facing Texas moving forward, and why this weekend presents an opportunity to get back on track before the season's biggest challenges arrive.

Rod Babers joins The Morning Kickoff to explain why Florida presents the perfect opportunity for Texas' offense to get rolling again. Rod discusses the importance of getting playmakers like Derek Cooper and Jermaine Bishop Jr. more involved, why Arch Manning's legs need to become a bigger part of the offense, and how Steve Sarkisian can better utilize Arch's athleticism moving forward. Rod also breaks down the key matchups at DKR that could help the Longhorns rediscover their offensive identity and build momentum with a much-needed home win over the Gators.

Anne-Parker Coleman-Clifton joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss why she's optimistic about Texas' special teams unit finding its footing moving forward. She also previews one of the top high school football matchups of the week as Bowie takes on Dripping Springs and highlights the storylines to watch heading into Friday night.

Lifetime Longhorn Quan Cosby joins The Morning Kickoff to break down what Texas must do offensively to regain its rhythm heading into Florida. Quan discusses why the Longhorns need to establish consistency, how utilizing Arch Manning's legs can help unlock the offense, and the adjustments Texas must make to create more explosive plays. He also explains the keys to a successful performance against the Gators and what it will take for the offense to get back on track.

Texas enters another pivotal SEC showdown looking to solve the issues that have plagued the offense in recent weeks. The crew breaks down what's preventing the Longhorns from finding consistency on the ground, why the run game remains the key to unlocking the entire offense, and how Texas can make the necessary adjustments before facing Florida. Plus, the guys discuss Arch Manning's continued development, the importance of winning at the line of scrimmage, and what a strong performance against the Gators would mean as Texas looks to regain momentum in the SEC race.

Eric Henry of Horns247 joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss the challenges facing the Texas offense and what adjustments can help the Longhorns get the run game back on track. Henry explains what's causing the struggles up front, how Florida may try to attack Texas defensively, and the keys to a successful performance this weekend in Gainesville. He also shares his outlook for the matchup and what a win would mean for Texas moving forward.

Thaddeus Bullard, formerly known as WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil, joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss Florida's upset victory over Texas last season and preview this weekend's highly anticipated rematch between the Gators and Longhorns. Bullard shares why he believes Florida is building momentum under Coach Sumrall, the excitement surrounding the direction of the program, and why Gator fans are optimistic about the future. He also reflects on last year's win over Texas, discusses the importance of this SEC matchup, and explains what Florida must do to come away with another victory. From the state of the Gators program to the...

Texas is searching for answers following another tough conference loss, and the pressure is mounting as a pivotal SEC matchup approaches. The crew discusses how the Longhorns can regain their confidence, rediscover the consistency that defined their early success, and get back to playing the brand of football Steve Sarkisian expects. The conversation also examines Texas' struggles generating takeaways, the importance of avoiding a losing streak, and why the upcoming game against Florida could be a turning point for the season. Plus, a look ahead to the Texas women's basketball season, including expectations for the Longhorns, key players to watch...

Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss the Cowboys' decision to bring in senior defensive assistant Mike Pettine and the potential impact he could have on the defense moving forward. Yarrish also breaks down the change that will have defensive coordinator Christian Parker calling plays from the booth, what the team hopes to gain from the adjustment, and the continued challenges facing Dallas' struggling running game as the season progresses.

Danny Davis joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss the fallout from Texas' loss to Oklahoma and the questions the Longhorns are still trying to answer moving forward. Davis breaks down the continued struggles in the running game, why establishing the ground attack remains a priority, and what needs to improve as Texas looks to regain its confidence and consistency. Davis also shifts to the hardwood as he previews the upcoming Texas women's basketball season, discusses the expectations surrounding the program, and identifies the freshmen who may be called upon to make an impact early. He shares his thoughts on the...

Fantasy Football expert Michael Fabiano joins The Morning Kickoff for his Week 6 preview. Fabs discusses the top matchups to watch, key starts and sits, and the tough reality many fantasy managers face when injuries and bye weeks force them to dig deep for production. He also shares advice on finding value at the bottom of the waiver wire, identifying under-the-radar contributors, and making the right lineup decisions before this week's games.

The pressure is mounting in Austin as Texas looks to get its season back on track. Offensive inconsistency, costly mistakes, and lingering questions about execution have put the Longhorns under the microscope heading into a critical stretch of SEC play. What needs to change, and how quickly can Texas find answers? Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry break down the biggest concerns surrounding the Longhorns, including the offense's struggles, the importance of building chemistry, and why this week's matchup could be a turning point for the season. Plus, the guys discuss the biggest storylines across college football, Texas Women's Basketball's...

Anthony Williams joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss the challenges facing the Texas offense and the disconnect he's seeing between Steve Sarkisian and Arch Manning. Williams explains why the Longhorns continue to struggle for consistency, where improvements need to be made, and why Texas must get things corrected quickly to avoid a difficult season ahead. He also shares his thoughts on the team's mindset moving forward and what he expects to see against Florida.

Voice of the Texans Marc Vandermeer joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss Houston's much-needed first victory of the season against the Tennessee Titans. Vandermeer breaks down what the addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. could mean for C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense, examines the areas where Houston can continue to improve, and explains why building on this momentum will be critical as the Texans prepare for their trip to London to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Texas is left searching for answers after a heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Mike Hardge and Mark Henry break down the issues that surfaced for the Longhorns, examine the growing concerns surrounding the offense, and discuss what must change before a crucial matchup with Florida. The guys also recap a wild weekend across the SEC and the nation, including Georgia's win over Alabama, Kentucky's upset of LSU, Missouri's dominant performance against Texas A&M, and several surprising results from around college football. Plus, the Texans earn their first win of the season, make a major...

Cedric Golden of the Austin American-Statesman joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss Texas' heartbreaking Red River Rivalry loss to Oklahoma and the questions now facing the Longhorns. Golden breaks down the biggest issues exposed in Dallas, evaluates the state of the Texas offense, and explains what must change before Texas takes on Florida. He also shares his perspective on the mood surrounding the program and whether the Longhorns can quickly regroup after a disappointing defeat.

The Red River Rivalry takes center stage as Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry break down everything surrounding Texas and Oklahoma ahead of one of college football's biggest matchups. The guys react to Steve Sarkisian's latest comments, discuss the Longhorns' running game, and examine the challenges that come with facing a desperate Oklahoma team. Plus, Dallas is searching for answers after a disappointing loss, the crew previews the biggest NFL and SEC games of the weekend, and takes a look around the sports world as the MLB postseason continues to heat up. It's a loaded Feel Good Friday edition of...

Former Texas defensive back Rod Babers joins The Morning Kickoff to revisit his memorable pick-six against Oklahoma and explain why momentum can change instantly in the Red River Rivalry. Babers discusses the importance of keeping your head on a swivel in a game where every play can shift the outcome, while also previewing this year's matchup and what Texas must do to come away with a victory.

Anne-Parker Clifton of KVUE joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss what makes the Red River Rivalry one of the most unique events in all of sports. Clifton shares her experience attending the game at the Cotton Bowl, previews this year's Texas-Oklahoma matchup, and talks about several iconic college football venues that remain on her bucket list. She also breaks down the biggest storylines to watch as the Longhorns and Sooners prepare to meet once again in Dallas.

The Red River Rivalry is here, and all eyes are on Texas as the Longhorns head to Dallas with expectations as high as ever. On this episode of The Morning Kickoff, we break down Steve Sarkisian's message heading into the rivalry, discuss whether Oklahoma can make Texas uncomfortable, and examine the biggest matchups that could determine who leaves with the Golden Hat. We dive into the mindset required to handle rivalry week, why staying focused in the moment is critical, and what makes Texas vs. Oklahoma one of the most unpredictable games in college football. Plus, we preview Cowboys Thursday...

Former Texas defensive tackle Thomas Baskin joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss experiencing the Red River Rivalry as a California native and what makes Texas vs. Oklahoma one of college football's most unique matchups. Baskin explains how players know when they're truly "in the zone," why locking in mentally is critical during rivalry week, and shares why he believes Lance Jackson on defense and Jermaine Bishop Jr. on offense could be difference-makers in Saturday's showdown.

Eric Henry of Horns247 joins The Morning Kickoff to preview this year's Red River Showdown. Henry discusses the biggest storylines surrounding Texas and Oklahoma, examines how injuries could impact both teams, and highlights the matchups that may determine who leaves Dallas with the Golden Hat.

Former Texas wide receiver Mike Adams joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss the Red River rivalry and what makes the matchup so special. Adams shares the story of calling his own number and wanting a larger role in the offense before delivering a memorable performance against Oklahoma. He also explains what this game means to players and why the atmosphere is unlike anything else in college football.

It's another edition of Fantasy with Fabs as Michael Fabiano joins The Morning Kickoff to help fantasy managers navigate a challenging Week 5. With injuries piling up and several big-name players struggling to meet expectations, Fabs identifies the best waiver wire pickups, under-the-radar sleepers, and lineup replacements who can help keep your team on track. He also breaks down which disappointing stars deserve another chance, which players should stay on the bench, and the must-start options who could deliver big results this week.

Danny Davis of the Austin American-Statesman joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss the biggest storylines surrounding the Red River Rivalry. Davis shares his thoughts on Texas entering the matchup, key players to watch, the importance of October for the Longhorns, and what could ultimately decide this year's showdown with Oklahoma.