Wake up with Mike Hardge & Mark Henry on The Morning Kick-Off, weekdays from 7-9am.Full Bio
Feel Good Friday: Longhorns CSWS Champs, NBA Finals & Dallas Cowboys
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 Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer is elated with the ball knowledge of Rookie Defensive Back Caleb Downs. A former Cowboy has been helping the coaching staff in practice. The Longhorns’ baseball team is ready for the Super Regionals this weekend, starting with the Oregon Ducks. We previewed the game. A “Hardge Knocks Life” and “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, a conversation with KVUE’s Anne-Parker Coleman to talk about the National Champion Texas Longhorns Softball team. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”
Thirsty Thursday: Texas Softball One Win From National Title, Knicks Strike First in NBA Finals & Nick Saban Testifies on NIL
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 college football, including rules and regulations. We also have Texas Longhorns Baseball Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle on the show to talk about the Austin Regional Round and Super Regional Round of the NCAA baseball World Series Tournament. For “Legends of the Locker Room,” we have Legendary Michigan Wolverines Guard Ray Jackson of the Fab Five on to talk about Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”
Jim Schlossnagle Breaks Down Texas Baseball’s Austin Regional Success & Oregon As A Super Regional Challenge
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. Coach gives some hints on the pitching rotation for the weekend. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”
Legends of the Locker Room: Fab Five Legend Ray Jackson Breaks Down Spurs vs. Knicks NBA Finals & Victor Wembanyama’s Impact
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 step up for the Spurs. Jackson talked about the impact of the game's strategy. He shares his opinion of Texas Longhorn draftee Dailyn Swain. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”
Wayback Wednesday: Spurs vs. Knicks NBA Finals Preview, Can Texas Softball Repeat as National Champions & Wemby Trail of Tears
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 early updates. “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, a conversation with Danny Davis of the Austin American-Statesman on talking Texas women’s basketball and Texas baseball as they start the Super Regional Round. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”
Victor Wembanyama’s Emotional Reaction Sparks Debate
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!”
Turn The Page Tuesday: Texas Softball Advances to Third Straight WCWS Championship Series, Major NFL Trades & College Football Hall of Fame
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’ football players Case Hampton and Colt McCoy heading to the College Football Hall of Fame. The Longhorns football team has high expectations as we get closer to the season. “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, we have Joe Cook of Inside Texas to talk about Texas baseball winning the Austin Regional, advancing to the Super Regional Round, Texas softball reaching the Championship Game of the College World Series, and giving an update on the expectations for the men’s basketball team. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”
Longhorn Victory Monday: San Antonio Spurs Advance to NBA Finals, Texas Baseball Wins Austin Regional & Softball Stays Alive
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 a no-hitter through 6 innings, starting with a big hit by Freshman Jaycie Nichols and a Katie Stewart 3-run home run to defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 3-1. They now face the Tennessee Volunteers, needing to win two to head to the championship series. The Longhorns’ rowing team won another National Rowing Championship. The World Cup is near we run through the betting odds. A “Hardge Knocks Life” and “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, we have Zach Symms of OrangeBloods.com on to talk Texas baseball. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”
Feel Good Friday: Spurs Force Game 7, Sark Angers Tex Tech, College Sports Bill Debate & Vikings QB Concerns
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 New York Giants locker room. A “Hardge Knocks Life,” and “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, a conversation with Crooked Smiles, from Crooked Smiles Media, joins the show to discuss the importance of content creation in sports. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”
Thirsty Thursday: Texas Longhorns Football Top 20, SEC Meetings, Spurs Face Elimination & Texas Softball WCWS
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’s Strongest Take!” Plus, we have Eric Henry of Horns 24/7 to talk about the Ted Cruz proposal bill for college sports, Sean Miller’s comments at SEC Meetings and Texas baseball at Texas Regionals. We also have Texas Longhorns Baseball Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle to talk about the Austin Regionals. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”