Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning issued an Instagram apology on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, for making an insensitive comment about an AI-altered video depicting head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe following a dramatic 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State.
Arch Manning’s Viral Press Conference Remarks and Immediate Backlash
The controversy began on Monday during a team media availability in Austin. When Inside Texas reporter Evan Vieth asked the Longhorns signal-caller if he had seen any social media posts celebrating the previous night’s 24-23 victory over top-ranked Ohio State, Manning brought up a fabricated deepfake clip.
Instead of focusing on the program’s dramatic second-half rally from a 23-3 deficit at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Manning laughed as he described the altered footage to reporters. The quarterback remarked that he had seen an artificial intelligence edit of Sarkisian’s postgame media interaction, publicly calling the video hilarious
while asking room media if they had seen the clip of his coach striking a longtime journalist.
“I’ve seen a few AI edits of stuff but that’s about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview. Have you all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe?”
Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns quarterback
The reporter who prompted the statement, Evan Vieth of On3.com, initially shared the exchange on social media with a caption describing the quarterback’s answer as gold.
The post drew immediate, heavy public criticism across the sports media landscape, prompting both the player and the journalist to issue rapid online retractions.
The Awkward Postgame Incident That Sparked the Deepfake
The artificial intelligence video surfaced online following a tense on-field scene on Saturday night. As Rowe attempted to conduct a customary postgame sideline interview with Sarkisian after the upset victory, the Texas coach yelled into the microphone and walked away without answering her questions.
Sarkisian shouted That’s called Texas fight! That’s called Texas fight!
alongside a camera hook ’em gesture before departing to celebrate with the team. Earlier in the evening, technical difficulties had already derailed a scheduled halftime interview between Sarkisian and ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge.
While Sarkisian declined to address the sideline incident during his Monday media session, The Athletic’s Ralph D. Russo reported that Rowe and Texas officials spoke privately on Monday regarding the failed interview, concluding that both parties were all good and moving forward.
That administrative conversation occurred before Manning’s press conference remarks spread across digital platforms.
Instagram Retraction and Holly Rowe’s Public Response
Faced with widespread backlash over trivializing violence against a reporter, Manning posted a formal statement to his Instagram story on Tuesday. The 22-year-old senior quarterback admitted that his remarks were hurtful.
“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it. It’s easy to say I didn’t mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that.”
Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns quarterback
In the same statement, Manning addressed the veteran ESPN broadcaster directly, thanking her for demonstrating professional grace. Rowe has worked full time at ESPN since 1998, covering premier events including college football, the WNBA, and the women’s NCAA Final Four, alongside her public advocacy for cancer research following her 2015 diagnosis with metastatic melanoma.
“I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments, I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.”
Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns quarterback
Later on Tuesday afternoon, Rowe accepted the apology publicly via a post on social media. She confirmed that the two discussed the matter privately and stated that both individuals intend to move forward with mutual respect.
“Thank you Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this — which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”
Holly Rowe, ESPN sideline reporter
Journalistic Accountability and Upcoming Matchup Against UTSA
The reporter who published the original audio clip also issued a formal apology on social media. Evan Vieth stated that while he never intended to generate hatred toward anyone or undermine Rowe’s career—which includes receiving the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award in 2023—he failed to recognize the immediate impact of his editorial framing.
“As a young journalist just getting started in this industry, I deeply admire the hard work, time, and dedication Holly Rowe has put in to become one of the best reporters working today. I never meant to disrespect her work, vilify Manning, or spread hatred toward anyone, but intent isn’t the same as impact, and I own that. I sincerely apologize for how I chose to present the tweet, and I’ll be more careful going forward, especially when it comes to AI-generated content and how quickly I hit send.”
Evan Vieth, Inside Texas reporter
With the apologies issued and accepted, the top-ranked Longhorns have shifted their focus back to the field. Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards with one touchdown and one interception during the opening weekend win over Ohio State that vaulted Texas to the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 poll. The team prepares to host UTSA at home this Saturday night.
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