The 2025 NFL schedule is officially HERE, and the Houston Texans are kicking off their season with a heavyweight Week 1 matchup against Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams! Is this the moment where new OC Nick Caley proves he’s ready to outsmart the master? We break down the STUDENT vs TEACHER showdown, and why this game could set the tone for the entire Texans season.

Plus:
🏈 Why the early bye week might actually be a hidden blessing
🔥 Is Year 3 DeMeco Ryans about to unleash the full power of H-Town?
🌃 Can the Texans flip the script in prime time games and earn national respect?

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Small details matter — but when is enough...ENOUGH? The Houston Texans have been grinding all offseason to revamp the roster, especially on the offensive side where the struggles were REAL last season. Now with weapons added, a new-look line, and a clear vision, have they finally done enough to take that next step?

At rookie minicamp, rookie Blake Fisher Ersery said he’s ready to go — wherever and whenever the team needs him. Coming from a program that shaped his SWARM mentality, he’s fired up to protect C.J. Stroud and be a part of something special.

PLUS — John drops his BIGGEST and BOLDEST prediction of the offseason... and it involves the Defensive Player of the Year trophy finding its way back to Houston 👀

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DeMeco Ryans ain't sugarcoating it — "Ain't no waiting around!" That was the head coach's fiery message to the Houston Texans' rookie class at mini camp. If you were that dude in college, you better be that dude now, because the Texans need help RIGHT NOW 💯

We break down how this mindset sets the tone for immediate competition in camp and what it means for young stars trying to earn their stripes. Then, we shift gears to Jaylen Noel, the potential X-factor for C.J. Stroud — can he be that underneath weapon and over-the-top threat that Houston’s offense has been missing? Could he even become what Stefon Diggs was to Josh Allen… but for Stroud? 👀

Finally, we close with a spotlight on Nico Collins. After a breakout year, the next step in his evolution isn’t just stats — it’s leadership. Is he ready to be the guy in that locker room?

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Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.

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FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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We’re closing out our TOO EARLY predictions for the Houston Texans 2025 season — and things are getting SPICY! 🔥 Special guest from Locked On Trojans joins the show to break down rookie cornerback Jaylin Smith and running back Woody Marks — who are these guys, and why should Texans fans be HYPED about their future in H-Town?

Plus, are the Tennessee Titans doing enough to be real competition in the AFC South? Or are they still playing catch-up with DeMeco Ryans’ squad?

And you already know what it is — we’re ending the week with a little Friday Fan Mail 📬

👉 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode of the Locked On Texans Podcast — your go-to for everything Houston Texans, NFL Draft, rookie updates, and AFC South rival talk!

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FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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In this week's NFL Squad, the crew reacts to the Locked On Network's latest 2025 NFL Power Rankings as put together by members of the Locked On NFL Channel. The Philadelphia Eagles come in at #1, but do the Kansas City Chiefs go to #2 after losing the Super Bowl? Our panel reacts to the Top 10, Bottom 10, and which teams in the middle of the pack could jump into the Top 10.

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It’s The Too Early Show on Locked On Texans, where we ask the questions that might be premature... or spot on 👀.

Folorunso Fatukasi is BACK in the mix, and now the Texans’ defensive tackle room is getting crowded. Who’s the odd man out on the D-line?

Meanwhile, the Jaguars are reloading with big offseason moves. Should Texans fans be concerned about their AFC South crown being snatched?

And without Nico Collins, the Texans’ wide receiver room is looking thin. Is it too early to bring in a veteran, or can the rookies step up in a BIG way?

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FanDuel

FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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Welcome to the TOO EARLY Show! 😅 On today’s episode of Locked On Texans, we dive headfirst into our too early defensive roster predictions for the Houston Texans — and spoiler alert: Ronald Darby is NOT enough to fix the cornerback depth issue. 🛑

We also take a too early look around the AFC South 👀 — are the Colts and their offseason moves something Texans fans should actually be worried about? Plus, we react to the latest NFL power rankings. Are the Texans being disrespected, or do they still need to PROVE IT before climbing out of that mid-tier?

🏈 Topics covered:

Too Early Texans Defensive Roster Predictions

Ronald Darby & CB Depth Concerns

Should Texans Fear the Colts in 2025?

Texans Power Rankings: Disrespect or Justified?

AFC South Preview

eBay Motors

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Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

DeMeco Ryans isn’t holding back—his VISION for the Houston Texans is officially CLEAR! On today’s episode of Locked On Texans, John Hickman dives into why rookie Airontae Ersery might just be the future franchise left tackle for the H-Town offense. The ROOKIE IS STAMPED. 🔥

👨‍ But it’s not just about the players—it’s the details behind the scenes too. John breaks down the offensive coaching changes and how this revamped staff is being built to form a cohesive, trustworthy unit. From play-calling confidence to background synergy, this episode explains why every small decision matters.

🚨 PLUS: An important Tank Dell injury update—why Houston’s slow and steady approach to his recovery is the smartest play for Tank and the Texans’ future.

eBay Motors

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Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)