Arch Manning has apologized to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after laughing about an AI-generated video that falsely depicted Texas coach Steve Sarkisian striking her during a postgame interview.
The Texas quarterback made the comments Monday during the Longhorns’ weekly media availability, when he was asked whether he had seen any social media edits following Texas’ comeback victory over Ohio State. Manning brought up the altered clip himself, calling it “a good one” and “hilarious,” according to ESPN.
Manning apologized Tuesday in an Instagram Story, calling his remark “insensitive” and saying “there is nothing funny about it.” He acknowledged that his words had hurt people and specifically apologized to Rowe for what she had dealt with because of his comments.
Rowe accepted the apology after speaking privately with Manning. She thanked him for the conversation, said its details would remain between them and wrote that they would move forward “with respect and kindness for one another.”
Manning Brought Up the AI Video During Monday’s Media Availability
“I saw the AI Edit of (Sark) slapping Holly Rowe.”
I asked Arch Manning if he’d seen any edits on TikTok or Twitter after the game, and his answer is gold. pic.twitter.com/70FnNCVEHb
— Evan Vieth (@EvanVieth) September 14, 2026
Reporter Evan Vieth asked Manning whether he had seen any TikTok or other social media edits made after Texas’ win. Manning said he had seen several AI edits before mentioning the clip involving Sarkisian and Rowe.
“I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview,” Manning said while laughing. “Have y’all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It’s hilarious.”
Several other people in the room could also be heard laughing. Vieth initially posted the exchange on X with a caption describing Manning’s answer as “gold,” but later apologized for his own wording, saying he had posted too quickly without understanding what the altered video depicted.
The fabricated video originated from a real postgame exchange after Texas defeated Ohio State 24-23. Sarkisian briefly responded to Rowe by saying “Texas fight. Hook ’em!” before walking away to celebrate with his team. The manipulated version falsely showed him turning back and striking Rowe, knocking her to the ground, according to The Associated Press.
Manning addressed his reaction the following day, saying it was not enough to claim that he had not intended to cause harm. He said he respected Rowe, appreciated the grace she had shown him and needed to be more thoughtful about his words going forward.
Rowe Accepted Manning’s Apology After They Spoke Privately
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) September 15, 2026
Manning specifically apologized to Rowe for what she had personally experienced following his comments and said he had “a ton of respect” for the longtime ESPN reporter.
Rowe responded publicly after the two spoke away from social media. “Thank you Arch,” she wrote. “I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”
She did not disclose what Manning said during their conversation or expand further on the incident. ESPN declined additional comment when contacted by Front Office Sports.
The Association for Women in Sports Media also issued a statement supporting Rowe and encouraged teams to remind players and staff that women working in sports media deserve respect. The organization said depictions of violence against women should not be normalized.
The Comments Followed Texas’ Comeback Win Over Ohio State
Texas entered the fourth quarter against Ohio State trailing 23-3 before scoring three consecutive touchdowns to complete a 24-23 comeback victory. Manning completed 11 of his final 15 passes and finished 23-of-37 for 195 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
The University of Texas said Manning directed three consecutive touchdown drives of at least 12 plays and 72 yards to close the game. He completed 13 of 18 passes across those drives for 125 yards and a touchdown while also contributing on the ground.
Manning was named Co-SEC Offensive Player of the Week following the victory, his third career SEC weekly honor. Texas moved from No. 4 to No. 1 in the AP poll after beating Ohio State.
The Longhorns return to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium against UTSA on September 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
