Texas quarterback Arch Manning participated in a postgame interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe on Saturday, just under two weeks after he faced backlash for calling an AI-generated video that showed her being slapped “hilarious.”
Rowe spoke with Manning on the field following a tense game where No. 1 Texas narrowly defeated No. 14 Tennessee, 20-17, at Neyland Stadium.
“This was a hard-fought win. The end was dramatic, but that long drive you had—how big was that for you and the team?” Rowe inquired.
Manning replied, “It was fun. I thought they battled the whole time. Shout out to our defense. Colin Simmons, that guy’s the real deal.”
Rowe then asked Manning about the significance of playing at the stadium where his uncle, Peyton Manning, achieved college football fame.
“Your whole team played great today,” Rowe said. “But many think today was special for your family. How did it feel to make your own history out there?”
“It’s not about me,” Manning responded. “I didn’t play very well, but our team did great. The defense was solid. This SEC road win is what matters.”
Manning completed 14 of 19 passes for 201 yards, with one interception, and he was sacked six times. Texas recorded only 262 total yards and committed 11 penalties for 115 yards, while the defense logged 10 sacks, five of which were by Simmons.
Rowe wrapped up the interview by asking Manning why he encouraged Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon after the game.
“I just told him to keep going,” Manning said. “He’s a great player. I wish him all the best.”
“Thank you so much,” Rowe replied.
Manning acknowledged her with, “Thank you. Appreciate it.”
Reactions to the interview varied on social media, with some commending its cordial tone, despite the prior situation, while others expressed concerns about Manning’s demeanor following the controversy and his subsequent apology.
This exchange gained extra attention in light of an incident after Texas’ thrilling 24-23 win over Ohio State on September 12, where Coach Steve Sarkisian interrupted Rowe’s question, shouted “Texas fight” and “Hook ’em,” and left the interview abruptly. A modified video then circulated online, falsely depicting Sarkisian slapping Rowe.
When asked about social media edits at a press conference after that game, Manning had referred to the altered clip, saying, “I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview. You all saw that one? That’s a good one. It’s hilarious.”
He later issued an apology, acknowledging there was “nothing funny about it” and admitting that his comments had been hurtful.
“I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments,” Manning wrote. “I have great respect for her and I appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will think more carefully going forward.”
Rowe accepted the apology publicly and mentioned they had a private conversation about it.
“Thank you, Arch,” she wrote. “I appreciate our talk about this—it’s private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness.”
Saturday’s interview seemed to echo this sentiment, as Rowe complimented Manning while he expressed thanks before they ended the discussion.
