Arch Manning issues apology to Holly Rowe

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Arch Manning issues apology to Holly Rowe after controversial AI interview response

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 16, 2026 8:03 AM ET

Arch Manning is walking back comments that drew criticism earlier this week.

The Texas Longhorns quarterback issued an apology to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe on Tuesday after remarking on an AI-generated video involving Rowe during Monday’s media appearance, acknowledging that his words were insensitive and expressing regret for how they came across.

Arch Manning realized his controversial mistake

The comments from Manning came Monday while he was speaking to the media. Reporters were asking the junior quarterback if he'd seen any AI videos of the interview situation that occurred Saturday night between Rowe and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Manning's response to the question immediately sparked controversy as he replied with "I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview, the one of him slapping Holly Rowe."

Manning and nearly everyone in the media room laughed at the reply, something that immediately drew bad attention.

“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

An apology and forgiveness have taken place between Arch Manning and Holly Rowe

Tuesday afternoon turned into a time of apology from Manning and forgiveness from Rowe. The Texas quarterback issued an apology via social media on Tuesday, which was shortly followed by an acceptance of that apology from Rowe.

It was an encouraging sign to see Manning take accountability for his controversial actions, as well as to see Rowe forgive the young quarterback for a mistake he made.

Here’s Arch Manning’s apology for his insensitive comment in his press conference. Says he’s “deeply sorry” and says he apologizes to Holly Rowe of ESPN. “I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.” pic.twitter.com/hRVJyx7PIb
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 15, 2026

pic.twitter.com/6ZVqJmIP2v
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) September 15, 2026

This was certainly a learning experience for Arch Manning

Bad answers and responses during interviews are something Manning is likely to experience again during his football journey.

That doesn't make what occurred on Monday acceptable, but it can be used as a learning experience to handle controversial situations a bit better in the future.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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