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.

Horns247's Eric Henry joins The Morning Kickoff to preview Texas' season opener against Texas State. Eric discusses key transfer portal additions, the Bobcats' strengths, and what could determine whether the Longhorns start 2026 with a statement victory. Insight, analysis, and predictions from one of the top voices covering Texas football.

Longhorn legend and National Championship-winning coach Mack Brown joins The Morning Kickoff to talk Texas football, the evolution of college football, and the excitement surrounding the start of the 2026 season. Coach Brown shares stories, insights from a lifetime in the game, and his thoughts on where Texas stands heading into another highly anticipated campaign. A can't-miss conversation with one of the most respected figures in college football.

With just days until Texas kicks off the 2026 season against Texas State, The Morning Kickoff with Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry dives into the Longhorns' massive transfer class and debates which newcomer could have the biggest impact. Hear from Steve Sarkisian, Arch Manning, and Texas players as they prepare for a tricky Texas State team that brings talent and tempo to Austin. Hardball and The World's Strongest Man break down the biggest storylines heading into Week 1, including whether Texas can cover a nearly 30-point spread and what fans should take away from the final days of preparation before kickoff. Don't miss all the insight, opinions, and energy from Austin's home for Longhorns talk, Sports Radio 1300 The Zone.

Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com joins The Morning Kickoff to break down the Cowboys' final roster moves as Dallas prepares for the start of the 2026 season. Tommy discusses the biggest surprises from roster cutdowns, including the decision to move on from quarterback Joe Milton, and what those moves say about the direction of the team. The conversation also dives into the Cowboys' defense under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, how the unit is adapting to his system, key players to watch on that side of the ball, and whether the defense can be one of the team's strengths this season. Plus, Tommy shares his thoughts on the biggest storylines surrounding Dallas as Week 1 approaches and what fans should expect from the Cowboys heading into the regular season. Don't miss this in-depth Cowboys conversation with one of the team's top insiders from DallasCowboys.com. 

Danny Davis of the Austin American-Statesman joins The Morning Kickoff to preview Texas' season opener against Texas State. Danny discusses the biggest storylines surrounding the Longhorns entering Week 1, what he's learned from covering the team throughout camp, and the players who could have the biggest impact on opening day. He also shares his expectations for Will Muschamp's defense, the biggest questions Texas still needs to answer, and what a successful performance against the Bobcats would look like as the Longhorns begin the 2026 season. Don't miss this in-depth conversation with one of the most respected voices covering Texas football. 

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.