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

Today is “Wayback Wednesday.” Game 1 of the NBA Finals is tonight as the San Antonio Spurs get ready to play the New York Knicks at Frost Bank Center. We break down the NBA Finals Series. We break down Victor Wembanyama’s emotional outpour after winning the Western Conference Finals. The Texas Longhorns’ softball team defended its National Championship in a rematch of last year’s title game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. New England Patriots’ newly acquired receiver AJ Brown addressed the issues with former Philadelphia Eagles’ teammate Jalen Hurts. NFL’s Organized Team Activities have started, so we're giving some earl...

Welcome to the Morning Kickoff as "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry and Mike "Hardball" Hardge debate on the emotional outpour of San Antonio Spurs Center Victor Wembanyama display his emotions after the Western Conference Finals in the NBA Playoffs. We also share NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnetts's opinions on the matter. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”

Today is “Turn the Page Tuesday.” The Texas Longhorns softball team went back-to-back to defeat the Tennessee Volunteers 5-2 in game 1 and 4-0 in game to make the third consecutive College World Series Championship Series against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. A blockbuster trade happened in the NFL as the Cleveland Browns traded Miles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. While another trade, AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New England Patriots, was finalized. The Longhorns baseball team is getting ready to play the Oregon Ducks in the Super Regional Round. We discuss the possibility of former Longhorns’ footba...

Today is “Longhorn Victory Monday.” The San Antonio Spurs are going to the NBA after a Game 7 111-103 victory on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Victor Wembanyama scoring 22 points and securing the series Most Outstanding Player. Julian Champagnie also stepped up, scoring 20 points and shooting 6-for-10 from behind the arc. The Spurs are now getting ready for the New York Knicks for Game 1 of the NBA title on Wednesday. The Texas Longhorns’ baseball team won the Austin Regional, defeating the University of California, Santa Barbara Gauchos 6-4, with Ethan Mendoza recording 2 RBI. The Longhorns’ softball team broke through...

Today is “Feel Good Friday.” The San Antonio Spurs handled the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-91, expanding the lead with a 20-0 run, forcing a Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Saturday. The Texas Longhorns are ruffling feathers in West Texas. We talked more about the Cruz/Cantwell Bill being submitted to Congress to regulate college sports. The Longhorns softball team fell to the Tennessee Volunteers 6-3. The Minnesota Vikings are already having quarterback issues. The Longhorns baseball team got ready to start Austin Regionals today. We previewed the game. Why the Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter situation could be divisive in the...

Today is “Thirsty Thursday.” Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte speaks to the media at SEC Meetings. The Austin American-Statesman lists its Texas Longhorns football top 20 players of all time. The San Antonio Spurs face elimination tonight in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Longhorns’ Men’s Basketball Head Coach Sean Miller talked to the media at the SEC Meetings, speaking on tournament expansion, Elijah Simmons and non-conference scheduling. The Longhorns softball team plays the Tennessee Volunteers today in the College World Series. We break down the comments of Becky Hammon on Jalen Brunson. “The World’...

Texas Longhorns Baseball Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle is here to talk about the Austin Regionals. Coach discusses the challenges of facing teams in the Austin Regionals. Schlossanagle talks about the talent he’s coaching, why this time of year is special, and what it takes to win. He talks about the team's health at this point. Coach discusses the team's talent and the recognition of SEC Awards. Schlossanagle explained what the team did after the SEC tournament. He lets us know what to expect from the team’s pitching rotation at regionals. You can hear it all here on “The Mornin...

Today is “Wayback Wednesday,” SEC Meetings have started, and we hear from Texas Longhorns’ Head Coach Steve Sarkisian about the enforcement of college rules and possible playoff changes. The Oklahoma City Thunder took down the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploding for 32 points and 9 assists. The Longhorns’ softball team is getting ready for its quest to repeat as College World Series Champions. Texas Women’s Basketball Head Coach Vic Schafer is not a fan of the rule changes in college sports. Former Texas Tech Red Raider Quarterback Brendan Sorsby loses his appeal for reinstatement. The Green Bay Packers have offse...

Today is “Turn the Page Tuesday.” The New York Knicks sweep the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93, but the Cavs think they’re the better team. The Texas Longhorns football team is getting recognition for its talent coming into the season. The Longhorns’ softball team is going to its third consecutive College Softball World Series. The baseball team fell to the Arkansas Razorbacks 8-1 in the SEC Tournament, but is preparing for the Austin Regional. The San Antonio Spurs tied the series at two all with the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-82 this weekend, with Victor Wembanyma scoring 33 points. We discuss the best and the...

Today is “Feels Good Friday,” Texas Longhorns Football Head Coach Steve Sarkisian talks to the media at the Houston Touchdown Club as he explains his comments on Ole Miss, shares his thoughts on the team, and the college football playoffs. There has been a ton of movement in college football this offseason. The New York Knicks dismantled Cleveland 109-93 with Josh Hart stepping up with 26 points and 7 assists. The Longhorns’ softball team starts the Super Regionals with Arizona State tonight; we get a statement from Head Coach Mike White. We talked about the shocking passing of NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch. With t...

Today is “Throwback Thursday,” and the San Antonio Spurs fall to the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-113 behind a 30-point game from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Aaron Rodger is back and announces it will be his last season. What other athletes across sports are the next big names to hang up jerseys? May is Mental Health Month, and we hear from NCAA President Charlie Baker as he reveals the number one thing student athletes talk to him about. Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Lineman Nolan Smith Jr was arrested for reckless driving, going 135 miles per hour in a 70 miles per hour speed zone. Is there a cu...

Texas Baseball Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle joins the show to talk about the team’s award winners and preparing for the SEC Tournament. Schlossanagle talked about getting ready to get back after time off. He talks about how great it was to see his players receive awards. Coach explains the pitching rotation plans going into the tournament. Schlossanagle explains what he expects to see in their upcoming game against Arkansas. He talks about how big the rivalry is with the Razorbacks. Coach gave us the latest update on the team's health. Coach shared his opinion on why First Baseman Casey Bo...

For the “Legends of the Locker Room” segment, we have Michigan Fab Five Forward Ray Jackson to talk about the NBA Playoffs. Jackson gave his biggest takeaway in the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder series. He shares his opinion on how the Thunder are trying to contain Victor Wembanyama. He talked about the turnover issues and what the Spurs need to do to address them. Jackson talked about what the New York Knicks did effectively to give the Cleveland Cavaliers trouble. He explains who needs to step up for the Cavs to tie the series. Jackson shares his opin...

Today is “Way Back Wednesday,” the New York Knicks' comeback from a 22-point lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime, 115-104, with Jalen Brunson scoring 38 points. Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has high expectations coming into this season. We discuss what level of play is required for a successful season. Texas baseball and softball teams are cleaning up the awards. We take a look at the NFL's AFC West: which teams do we expect to take the division, and which team will exceed expectations? Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rasheed Rice violates his probation, testing positive for marijuana. NCAA Basketball needs to d...

Today is “Turn the Page Tuesday,” the San Antonio Spurs took down the Oklahoma City Thunder in a double overtime thriller, 122-115, with Victor Wembanyama scoring 41 points, 24 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The Texas Longhorns’ baseball team was well represented on the All-SEC awards. Former Longhorns’ Defensive Lineman T’Vondre Sweat is getting a lot of love with the New York Jets. The NFL market for the running back position is changing. A judge in Lubbock will hear former Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Brendan Sornsby's case for reinstatement. We have a way-too-early look at the 2026 NBA Draft. “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, J...

Today is “Longhorns’ Monday.” The Cleveland Cavaliers destroyed the Detroit Pistons 125-94 and are now set to play the New York Knicks. The San Antonio Spurs look ready to play the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Dallas Cowboys' schedule was released, and the team is excited for the season, with new additions to the coaching staff. The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal. Texas Longhorns softball team handles the regionals. The baseball team closes the season, sweeping the Missouri Tigers. The men’s basketball team added a new piece. Not everyone’s a fan of the colleg...

Today is “Feel Good Friday,” live from the Hyatt Lost Pines Club in Bastrop, Texas, it’s “The 25th Annual Mullett Open,” benefitting the Burke Center for Youth. We take a look at why the Texas Longhorns are the hottest ticket in college football. The Longhorns baseball team defeated the Missouri Tigers 6-3 behind an 11-strikeout performance by Pitcher Dylan Volantis. The NFL released its NFL Schedule with the Houston Texans playing the Dallas Cowboys on October 4th, Week 4 of the season. The Detroit Pistons travel to Cleveland to play the Cavaliers, who are trying to close out the series. The San An...

We have Bucky Godbolt of “The Bucky & BK Show” to talk about the 25th Annual “Mullet Open.” Bucky tells us what led to the creation of the event. He has a major announcement about this year's event. Godbolt talks about the specialness of the Burke Center for Youth. He talks about a major sponsor of the event. Plus, he shares some life stories. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”

We have Texas Baseball Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle on to talk about the team’s upcoming week. Schlossnagle discussed the positives from the series against Tennessee. Coach talked about what he’s learned about his team since the opening day. He talked about the first-year students who’ve stepped up on the team. Coach Schlossanagle discussed the team's health towards the end of the season. Coach talked about what Outfielder Dariyan Pendergrass can give in the outfield. He informed us what the rotation will be like this weekend. Coach Schlossnagle talked about what to look for in playing the Missouri Tigers...

Today is “Thirsty Thursday,” Texas Longhorns Quarterback Arch Manning is ready for the pressure coming into his second year. The Cleveland Cavaliers took it to the Detroit Pistons 117-113, led by James Harden, who scored 30 points, and Max Strus scored 20 off the bench. Former Texas Longhorn basketball player Dayin Swain is getting ready for the next level. The NFL Schedule will be released in full tonight. We have some more leaked games that have been out. We also say goodbye to another sports legend. “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, a conversation with Eric Henry of Horns 24/7 to talk about his articl...

Today is “Way Back Wednesday,” and Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian had a lot to say in a USA Today article. He talks recruiting, NCAA rules, and takes a shot at another SEC school. The start times of two major Texas college football games were announced. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 with Victor Wembanyama scoring 27 points and 17 rebounds. The Philadelphia 76ers drop their president of operations. The NBA free agency speculation will start, and LeBron James is still the big fish. Major League Baseball is at its halfway point; we talk midseason awards. We have the...

We have Texas Longhorns Softball Head Coach Mike White, who won the SEC Tournament, as they prepare to defend their title in the NCAA Tournament. Coach White talked about the journey that led to the team winning the SEC Tournament. Coach talked about Viviana Martinez's work at shortstop. He talked about the excitement of the Longhorns being the must-see television. White talked about the impact of Katie Stewart. He lets us know where the room for improvement is going forward, which can impact play in the tournament. Coach emphasized the importance of Ashton Maloney's defensive play. White talked about how...

Today is “Turn the Page Tuesday,” the Cleveland Cavaliers tied the series 2-2 with the Detroit Pistons with a 112-103 win, with Donavan Michell scoring a playoff career high 43 points. The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Los Angeles Lakers, closing them out with a 115-110 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points and 8 assists. Is this it for LeBron James? San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama was not suspended and will play game 5. We talk about the elbow and why it happened. Giannis Antetokounmpo looks like he’ll be on the trade block. Some of the NFL schedule had been leaked, and we...

Today is “Longhorn Victory Monday.” The Texas Longhorns softball team won the SEC Tournament and is now the #2 National Seed. In the NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks made Philadelphia a home game, defeating the 76ers 144-114 and sweeping the series. We discuss what’s next for the 76ers. The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs 114-109, with 36 points from Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama getting ejected in the first half. The Washington Wizards won the NBA Draft Lottery. Is Arch Manning a favorite for the Heisman? The NFL Schedule will be officially released on Thursday; some games have alread...

Today is “Feel Good Friday.” The Texas Longhorns basketball team is expecting to rise next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers are on life support as the Detroit Pistons defeated them 107-97 with Cade Cunningham scoring 25 points and 10 assists. The Oklahoma City Thunder dominates the Los Angeles Lakers 125-107 with both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren scoring 22 points. Texas softball wins first game in the SEC Tournament. Aaron Rodgers is back; we break down the AFC North Division. The NCAA is moving forward with expanding the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with the possibility of expanding the college football playoffs. “The World’...

We have Texas Longhorns Golf Head Coach John Fields on the show to talk Texas golf. Coach talks about the school’s culture and history. He talked about the stars he’s coached at UT. Fields explains who’s the next big thing in golf. Coach Fields discussed what he looks for in the athletes he recruits. Fields explain how Texas is hosting the College National Championship Tournament, but it’s in Carlsbad, California. The coach elaborated on the relationship with Chris Del Conte, the coaches across the Texas athletic department.  You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Sho

We have Texas Baseball Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle to recap last weekend’s series with Mississippi State, the midweek game with UTSA, and the upcoming series in Knoxville against the Tennessee Volunteers. We get his thoughts on the SEC Tournament having the Automatic Balls and Strikes system. Coach explains the decision-making process for protesting a call in the system. Schlossnagle explains how he keeps his players focused on games with slow or rough starts. Coach shares his thoughts on revenge situation games. Coach gave an update on the status of Outfielder Anthony Pack Jr.

For “Legends of the Locker Room,” we have Lifetime Longhorn Football’s Derrick Johnson. Johnson gave us a reaction to being elected to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Hall of Fame. DJ talked about the Chiefs organization and what the city meant to him. He reflected on his career and the path of success as a Chief. Johnson talked about what he saw working with the Texas linebackers and what stood out. DJ explained what transfer Linebacker Markus Boswell brings to the team. He informed us about what’s going on with “Defend the Dream Foundation” and explained how it's grown and what impac...

Today is “Thirsty Thursday,” we get the story and update from Lifetime Longhorn Jordan Shipley as he talks to “The Stampede” about the accident that led to him being hospitalized months ago. The New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102, with Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby all having 20 points or more. The San Antonio Spurs conquered the Minnesota Timberwolves with seven Spurs with double-digit points. We say goodbye to the Legendary Media Mogul, Ted Turner. Has Draymond Green's disrespect gone too far? The Texas Longhorns softball team is getting ready for the SEC Tournament. Plus, plenty of guests...

Today is “Humpday Wednesday.” The Texas Longhorns football team's schedule is one of the toughest in college football. The Big 10 is separating itself from the rest in college football. In the NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons took it to the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-101, and the Oklahoma City Thunder handled the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90. The Longhorns baseball team defeated the UTSA Roadrunners 11-8 in a mid-week game. “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, we have Danny Davis of the Austin American-Statesman to talk Texas football, Rori Harmon of Washington Mystic, and Texas baseball.  We also have Hall of Famer and Austin Gamb...

Today is “Taco Tuesday,” and happy “Cinco De Mayo.” Texas Longhorns football continues to get preseason hype. The San Antonio Spurs lost a close one to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The New York Knicks took it to the Philadelphia 76ers due to Jalen Brunson and bully ball. Jaylen Brown needs to stop livestreaming after being critical of NBA officiating; expect a heavy fine. The Longhorns baseball team is getting ready to play a midweek game against the UTSA Roadrunners after taking two of three against Mississippi State. The SEC will use the ABS System for the SEC Tournament. The Dallas Cowboys have hug...

Today is “Longhorn Monday,” the Texas Longhorns football team lands another explosive athlete to its depth chart, gaining another running back to its backfield with another recruiting commitment.  We had a plethora of games in the NBA Playoffs over the weekend, and who fell and who moved on. The Major League Baseball Automatic Balls and Strikes System has been a benefit to the game. Texas Baseball and Softball have had an up-and-down weekend as we get close to the end of the season. The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans are impressed with some of their draft selections. We have some WNBA...

Comedian Bill Bellemy is live in the studio; he gives us laughs, tells stories, and promotes this weekend’s stand-up shows at Cap City Comedian Club. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”

Today is “Feel Good Friday.” The NBA Playoffs have a couple of eliminations, with the New York Knicks obliterating the Atlanta Hawks 140-89, and the Philadelphia 76ers surviving the Boston Celtics 160-93. The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets 110-98. Arch Manning hype is real, and we talk about why. The Dallas Cowboys are getting the hype train running. Plus, Comedian Bill Bellemy is live in the studio; he gives us laughs, tells stories, and promotes this weekend’s stand-up shows at Cap City Comedian Club. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”

Texas Baseball Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle joined the show to talk about last weekend's series with Vanderbilt, Tuesday's comeback victory over Sam Houston St, and the upcoming series against the Mississippi St. Bulldogs. He spoke about the psychology of maintaining a positive relationship with a player when they're struggling. Coach answers what the conversation would be if a player is benched or moved down in the lineup. Coach talked about how his team has to adjust to weather scheduling changes. You can hear it all here on "The Morning Kickoff Show!"

Today is Thirsty Thursday. The NBA Playoffs are on fire, with the Rockets surviving the Lakers 99-93 to make the series 3-2. The Cavaliers beat the Raptors 125-120, and the Pistons beat the Magic with Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero dueling with 45 points. The way-too-early NFL Mock drafts are coming out, and four Texas Longhorns are listed in the top ten picks. Panic alarm is going off among Lakers fans. "The World's Strongest Take!" Plus, Eric Henry of Horns 24/7 joins the show to talk about Texas Football, his article on the team's expectations, Texas men's basketball, and the Texas Tech...

Today is "Way Back Wednesday," with more details on the Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorbey's gambling scandal, and he may be finished with college football. Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian spoke with "Voice of the Texas Longhorns" Craig Way yesterday, and we played and shared our thoughts on the interview.  The Longhorn baseball team had a comeback victory last night behind four home runs, including a walk-off by Catcher Carson Tinney. The NBA Playoffs are narrowing down their first round with the Spurs handling the Trailblazers. Are they destined for greatness? The 76ers survive another day, and the Knicks h...

Today is "Turn the Page Tuesday," and college football has a major scandal with Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby entering gambling treatment. How will the NCAA react, and what does this mean for Sorsby's future? The Los Angeles Rams drafting Ty Simpson is causing some controversy. The Texas Longhorns baseball team gets ready to host the Sam Houston St Bearcats with Freshman Michael Winter taking the mound. Chris Simms is out at "Football Night in America" on NBC. Mike Tomlin joined NBC and explained why he stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pistons, Nuggets, and Thunder...

Today is “Longhorn Monday,” the NFL draft wrapped up, and we talk about where the Texas Longhorn players land. The NBA playoffs continue with the return of Victor Wembanyama from concussion protocol. The Longhorn baseball team handled Vanderbilt Commodores 4-3 with a huge, long relief pitching performance by Sam Cozart. The softball team run-ruled the Kentucky Wildcats 11-2 with three home runs. Is this year now or never for the Texas football team? The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans both get their guys in the draft. “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, a conversation with Zach Symm of Orangbloods.com to talk ab...

Today is "Feel Good Friday." The NFL draft was last with the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans getting their guys. The Texas Longhorns basketball team added another big piece in the transfer portal. The baseball team's first-year students are getting some love as they prepare for Vanderbilt this weekend, while the softball team travels to Kentucky to play the Wildcats. The Hawks, Timberwolves, and Raptors defended home court last night in the NBA Playoffs. Have the NBA Playoffs been disappointing, or is it just time for the changing of the guard? A "Hardge Knocks Life" and "The World's Strongest Take!"...