Texas quarterback Arch Manning drew criticism online this week after he laughed while describing a viral, AI-generated video that depicted Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe.
The fake clip circulated after Texas’ 24-23 comeback win over then-No. 1 Ohio State last Saturday, a game in which Sarkisian abruptly ended a postgame interview with Rowe. As he walked away, Sarkisian said, “That’s called Texas fight! That’s called Texas fight! Hook ’em!”
The moment quickly spread online, and several users created AI-edited videos exaggerating the exchange, including one showing Sarkisian appearing to slap Rowe.
Asked Monday whether he had seen any edits circulating on social media after the game, Manning brought up the fake clip himself.
“I’ve seen a few AI edits and stuff, but that’s about it. I saw AI edits of Sark’s interview,” Manning said, prompting laughter in the room.
“Have y’all seen that one? That’s a good one,” Manning added, smiling. “Of him slapping Holly Rowe? That’s hilarious.”
Video of the exchange spread widely, and not everyone found it amusing.
“Slapping a woman isn’t funny — even [when] done by AI. I don’t care who you are,” one social media user wrote in response to the clip of Manning. “What a shame that Arch and the Media in the room think it’s funny.”
Another user wrote that the reporters laughing along with Manning were “much more concerning than the college kid finding it funny.”
On the field, Manning was central to Texas’ rally from a 23-3 deficit midway through the third quarter. He finished with 196 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception after a slow start.
Texas, now the nation’s top-ranked team, is scheduled to host the University of Texas at San Antonio next Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
