Arch Manning had something to say about Holly Rowe and later apologizes

A rch Manning ’s week began with one of the biggest wins of his college career. It quickly shifted into damage control after a press-conference joke about a fake video involving Holly Rowe drew widespread criticism.

The Texas quarterback apologized Tuesday for laughing at an AI-generated clip that falsely depicted Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian slapping the veteran ESPN reporter.

Manning had referenced the video while discussing social-media edits that followed Texas’ dramatic 24-23 comeback win over No.1 Ohio State .

“I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview,” Manning said during the press conference. “That's a good one, of him slapping Holly Rowe. That's hilarious.”

Laughter could also be heard from others in the room. The reaction quickly became a story of its own, and Manning later acknowledged that he had handled the moment poorly.

“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it,” Manning wrote on Instagram.

“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 the lightly and am deeply sorry for that.”

Manning makes personal apology to Rowe

Manning ’s statement went beyond a general apology and addressed Rowe directly.

“I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments,” he wrote.

“I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in the moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.”

Rowe responded publicly and indicated that the issue had already been discussed between them.

“I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private,” Rowe said. “Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”

That exchange helped close the loop on an episode that began with a real, but nonviolent, postgame interaction between Rowe and Sarkisian .

After Texas completed its comeback against Ohio State, Rowe attempted to continue an interview with the Longhorns coach.

Sarkisian cut the exchange short, saying, “That's called Texas fight. Hook 'em,” before walking away.

The AI edit then manipulated that moment to make it appear as if Sarkisian struck Rowe . He did not.

Reporter also walks back framing of Manning’s comments

Evan Vieth of Inside Texas, who posted the press-conference clip, initially described Manning’s response as “gold” and presented it as an example of his personality.

Vieth later apologized for that framing after the backlash intensified. The timing made the controversy especially striking.

Manning had just completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown and one interception while helping Texas erase a 20-point deficit against the nation’s No.1 team.

By Tuesday, however, the focus had shifted away from the field. Manning did not try to defend the joke. He acknowledged the harm, apologized directly to Rowe and said he needed to “be more thoughtful going forward.”