Arch Manning Apologizes to Holly Rowe After Insensitively Mocking Reporter’s AI Slap Video

This is supposed to be the season where Arch Manning lives up to his legendary surname and re-establishes himself as the next great quarterback prospect to come from his family.

After an average performance last year, there have been opinions that maybe this Manning did not have it in him to be as great as his grandfather or uncles. Then came this season, and the junior produced an impressive show against cross-state rivals Texas State.

Confidence from that, though, did not help when he threw a pick against arguably one of the better teams this season. However, he managed to steady himself and led his team to a touchdown to kick off the fourth quarter.

Then, he helped the Longhorns drive down the field two more times, helping running back Hollywood Smothers score two more to complete an impressive comeback win.

After such an effort, it is alright if Arch Manning wants to crack some jokes in front of the press. But one joke ended up drawing major backlash and forced him to issue a statement.

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. I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she personally had to deal with because of my comments.

Arch Manning wrote on Instagram

The 22-year-old was referring to his laughter while discussing an AI video showing his head coach, Steve Sarkisian, slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. It seems he is deeply apologetic about his actions.

Holly Rowe accepts Arch Manning’s apology

The clip Arch Manning was joking about was an edited version of a real interview Holly Rowe had with Steve Sarkisian. That interview was testy enough that many felt the head coach was being disrespectful towards the reporter.

That probably gave the creator an idea on how to make Sarkisian look good while embarrassing Rowe. Since it was not something Manning would have laughed about had it happened in real life, the journalist understood his position.

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 responded

It seems they had a long conversation about it and settled the matter. After all, both his Super Bowl-winning uncles have a good relationship with the longtime sideline reporter and also run a show on ESPN.

pic.twitter.com/6ZVqJmIP2v

— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) September 15, 2026

Moreover, such negative publicity is the last thing Arch Manning wants to be associated with, considering that he is hoping to do enough to go at the top of the draft board next year.

Arch Manning’s Texas moves to No. 1 after impressive win over Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes are favorites to win the CFP National Championship this season for a reason. They are stacked across the board and have Ryan Day, a head coach who knows what is needed to bring the trophy back to Ohio.

However, the manner in which they folded in the fourth quarter against Arch Manning’s Texas Longhorns brought up questions about whether the team is taking it casually when in the lead.

That 23-24 loss to the Longhorns is the sole reason the Buckeyes dropped from No.1 in the rankings to No. 6. On the other hand, that fourth-quarter comeback rally helped the Longhorns move straight up the ladder.

As per the Associated Press college football rankings, Arch Manning and his team now find themselves at the top of the leaderboard. This is the first time they have been placed No. 1 since last year’s preseason rankings.

Also Read:

• How Jacoby Brissett Earned $285,000 After Win Over Justin Herbert’s Chargers
• “Check with a Bookie” – LeSean McCoy Roasts Deshaun Watson After Abysmal Jaguars Loss