Just days after notching the biggest win of his career when he mounted a 20-point fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes, Texas Longhorns star Arch Manning found himself at the center of some controversy this week, but he has now issued a public apology.
The incident occurred on Monday when Manning made what he described as an “insensitive comment” about an AI video involving his head coach Steve Sarkisian and ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
Manning laughs at AI video
During Manning’s regular Monday media availability, Evan Vieth, a reporter for On3’s Inside Texas, asked Manning whether he’d seen any of the TikTok and Twitter edits fans had assembled celebrating the win.
Manning responded by bringing up an AI-generated video of Sarkisian slapping Rowe, calling it “hilarious.”
“I’ve seen a few AI edits and stuff, but that’s about it. I saw AI edits of Sark’s interview,” Manning told reporters on Monday. After someone in the room referenced a specific AI version, Manning asked, “Have y’all seen that one? That’s a good one,” and laughed, adding, “Of him slapping Holly Rowe?”
“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
“It’s hilarious,” Manning added.
Needless to say, these comments quickly sparked widespread outrage.
Manning Apologizes
In a statement on social media on Tuesday, Manning issued a formal apology for what he called “an insensitive comment.”
“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,” Manning wrote.
He went on to apologize to Rowe specifically for the negative attention that his comments caused.
“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,” Manning wrote in a post on X.
Rowe publicly accepted Manning’s apology as she also revealed that the two had a private conversation.
“Thank you Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this – which will remain private. Apology accepted,” Rowe wrote in a post. “We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”
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