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

Today is “Longhorn Monday.” The San Antonio Spurs fall 94-90 to the New York Knicks in NBA Finals Game 5 at Frost Bank Arena, with the Knicks winning the series 4-1. Jalen Brunson won the Finals MVP, sealing the deal with 45 points. We answer what the Knicks did to propel themselves to this level. The Texas Longhorns baseball team loses to the Georgia Bulldogs 7-1 in their opener of the College Men’s World Series. It will now play Alabama today in the loser’s bracket at 1 pm. The United States Soccer team defeated Paraguay 4-1with two goals by Forward Folarin...

Today is “Feel Good Friday.” The San Antonio Spurs are now in a do-or-die situation, facing elimination, trailing 3-1 to the New York Knicks. We hear from Head Coach Mitch Johnson. The Dallas Cowboys continue to work, and we hear some glowing things about Safety PJ Locke. The Texas Longhorns’ baseball team is ready to pursue a championship in the College Baseball World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. The Longhorns’ football team added another 4-star recruit. The World Cup started yesterday we talk about the event. More on Texas Tech and Brendan Sorby's situation. A “Hardge Knicks Life” and “The World’s Strongest Take...

Today is “Thirsty Thursday.” The San Antonio Spurs had an epic collapse, blowing a 29-point lead and losing Game 4 on an OG Anunoby put-back tip-in with 2.1 seconds left, giving the New York Knicks a 107-106 victory and putting the Knicks up 3-1 in the series. We share what went wrong with the Spurs and what needs to happen to resolve it. We have more on the Brendan Sorsby situation. The Texas softball team is reloading its roster via the transfer portal. The World Cup is back we share our opinions on the event. “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, we have Eric...

We also have Texas Baseball Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle on to talk about the Longhorns’ College World Series. Schlossnagle talks about the excitement for the players and fans making it to Omaha. Coach informs us of the players' availability. He talked about what led to defensive success on the field. He talked about the depth of the Southeastern Conference and expectations for playing conference champion Georgia. Schlossnagle talked about the expected weather conditions. Coach talked about the success of Freshmen Sam Cozart and Anthony Pack Jr. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”

For “Legends of the Locker Room,” Austin LBJ alum and Michigan Wolverine Fab 5 Guard Ray Jackson joins the show to talk about the NBA Finals. Jackson shares his opinion on what happened last night. He explains what the issue is with the mentality of the current game: a love of shooting threes. He gave props to Mike Brown coaching moves. Jackson talks about the Spurs’ coaching staff's mistakes. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”

Today is “Way Back Wednesday.” Game 4 of the NBA Finals is tonight as the San Antonio Spurs play the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, with the Knicks up 2-1. A Texas Longhorns pitcher receives a major award as the Horns get ready for Omaha. We have more on Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby after the Big 12 meeting. The Longhorns’ football team is in the top three in the power rankings. Spurs fan visiting New York for the Finals, beware of “We Outside Knicks Fans.” “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, we have Danny Davis of the Austin American-Stateman to talk about th...

Today is “Turn the Page Tuesday,” the San Antonio takes Game 3 in Madison Square Garden 115-111 against the New York Knicks behind a 32-point night from Victor Wembanyama, making the series 2-1 for New York. Is the physicality of the NBA Finals going too far? We discuss. Texas Tech Quarter Brendan Sorsby has been reinstated due to an injunction by Judge Ken Curry of the 99th District Court in Lubbock, Texas. The New York Yankees Outfielder Aaron Judge will be out with a stress fracture rib and will be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks. The Texas Longhorns football team's schedule is set...

Today is “Longhorn Victory Monday.” The Texas Longhorns baseball team is heading to Omaha, Nebraska, after sweeping the Oregon Ducks and advancing to the College Baseball World Series. We hear from the Longhorns’ Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. The San Antonio Spurs head to New York tonight after trailing 0-2 to the Knicks. How will they respond to the shocking losses at home? The aliens Shohei Ohtani and Victor Wembanyama are the most recognizable athletes in sports. We have more Longhorn football talk, with audio from Head Coach Steve Sarkisian. With the Longhorns heading to Omaha for the World Series, Rocco’s Pizza...

Today is “Feel Good Friday.” The Texas Longhorns Softball team is the 2026 College Softball World Series Champion after a 2-0 sweep of the Texas Tech Red Raiders with a 4-1 victory. Game 2 of the NBA Finals is tonight, with the New York Knicks up 1-0 over the San Antonio Spurs. There was another incident with the fans in the stands towards the end of the game, and we discussed it. In the NFL, after Quarterback Russell Wilson announced his retirement, we discussed his hatred throughout his career and whether he’s Hall of Fame-worthy. The NFL OTAs have started, and Dallas...

Today is “Thirsty Thursday.” The Texas Longhorns Softball team is one win from repeating as National Champions with a 7-3 victory in Game 1 of the College World Series Championship Game. The New York Knicks took down the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, with Jalen Brunson scoring 30 points. Nick Saban spoke to Congress about current NIL collectives during a hearing on the Protect College Sports Act. A Fan runs onto the court during the NBA Finals, disrupting the flow of the game. “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, we have Eric Henry of Horns 24/7 talking about Texas and...

Texas Longhorns Baseball head Coach Jim Schlossnagle joins the show to talk about the Austin Regional Round and Super Regional Round of the NCAA baseball World Series Tournament. Coach discussed the team's performance at the Austin Regional. Schlossnagle explained what the Oregon Ducks' strengths are and what the Horns can do to compete well. Coach shares an opinion on the College Baseball post-season tournament format and what he’d like to see to improve the sport. He gives his thoughts on his pitching staff in the Austin Regional. Schlossnagle talked about his offense's performance over the weekend, noting consistent play. Co...

Michigan Wolverine Fab 5-member, Ray Jackson, “Legends of the Locker Room,” to talk about Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks. Jackson talked about the key to the game that led to the Spurs' Game 1 loss. He explains what counter moves to the rotation to combat the Knicks. Ray talked about how game management can affect the flow of a game plan. He explains the impact that Victor Wembanayama would have if he attacked the point. Jackson explains what the Spurs need to do to contain Jalen Brunson. Ray talked about who needs to s...

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