Arch Manning found a viral AI-generated video depicting Texas coach Steve Sarkisian striking longtime ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe after the Longhorns’ 24-23 victory over No. 1 Ohio State particularly amusing.
Asked Monday whether he had seen any social media edits following Saturday night’s comeback win in Austin, Manning quickly recalled one that showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe.
“I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview. Have y’all seen that one?” Manning said, laughing. “That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It’s hilarious.”
The fabricated video followed an awkward postgame encounter between Rowe and Sarkisian. As Rowe attempted to interview the Texas coach live, Sarkisian shouted into the microphone before walking away without addressing her question.
“That’s called Texas fight! That’s called Texas fight! Hook ’em!” Sarkisian yelled before ignoring Rowe, who appeared visibly frustrated.
ESPN’s Laura Rutledge also attempted to interview Sarkisian during halftime at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, but the exchange was disrupted by technical difficulties.
Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards, a touchdown and an interception as Texas overcame a 23-3 second-half deficit to defeat the Buckeyes. The victory propelled the Longhorns to No. 1 in the country.
Although Manning helped lead one of Texas’ most impressive recent comebacks, his amusement over a fake video showing his coach striking a female reporter was poorly received. The comments created an awkward contrast with the program’s celebratory victory.
However, the laughter and positive reaction Manning received from those around him suggested that the remarks were unlikely to draw further consequences.
