Manning's recent comments have led to a huge debate ensuing

Arch Manning might be in for a whole host of media training this week.

After Texas stunned Ohio State with a 24-23 come-from-behind victory, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian's post-game interview - or lack thereof - received widespread media attention.

Arch Manning 16 of the Texas Longhorns passes the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 12, 2026 in Austin, Texas.
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Arch Manning led the Longhorns to an improbable comeback over the Buckeyes on SaturdayCredit: Getty

The Longhorns had just erased a 20-point fourth quarter deficit over the Buckeyes who entered the 2026 college football season ranked No. 1 with Manning orchestrating his team down the field for three touchdowns in the final period.

He wound up finishing the game having completed 23-of-37 passing for 195 touchdowns and a touchdown, albeit also firing an interception.

Emotions were expectedly high afterward, and Sarkisian appeared not to want to engage in the post-game interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, opting not to answer any questions.

Instead he shouted, “That’s called Texas fight! That’s called Texas fight! Hook ’em!” and throwing up the horns before running away to continue the celebrations with his team, leaving Rowe less than impressed.

A similar thing happened during halftime, but it was later revealed that he had been patient in waiting with them whilst they attempted to fix a technical glitch, but had to eventually go back to the locker room.

Ahead of Texas' Week 2 matchup against UTSA on Saturday, Manning - the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton and Eli Manning conducted his media availability on Monday and was asked about his head coach's interview.

“I’ve seen a few AI edits and stuff, but that’s about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview,” Manning told reporters, referencing a fake viral video showing Sarkisian hitting Rowe after yelling "Hook ‘em" in her face, which did not happen after the game.

“Have ya’ll seen that one? That’s a good one, of him slapping Holly Rowe? It’s hilarious.”

Manning's comments spark huge backlash

But the 22-year-old signal caller's reaction to seeing what some are calling 'AI slop' drew huge backlash from other media personnel and fans everywhere.

“The laughter from all the men in the room…. so, so gross," NBC Sports college football reporter Nichole Auerbach voiced.

Steve Sarkisian makes a gesture to the camera during an interview with Holly Rowe
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Sarkisian gave the camera the 'Hook 'em Horns' sign before walking away from Rowe.Credit: ESPN
Manning's recent comments have led to a huge debate ensuing
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Manning's recent comments have led to a huge debate ensuingCredit: Getty

His comments even drew the attention of WNBA player Brianna Turner, with the Las Vegas Aces star posting, "Women in sports will never know peace."

"Some of the supposed adults in the room found AI-generated abuse of a fellow media member to be something worth laughing about?" one fan commented.

“His PR training meeting tonight gonna be a long one,” another said.

Whilst some have interpreted Manning's comments as him laughing at the concept of women being hit, comedian Jeff Dye offered an alternative perspective.

“He isn’t saying men hitting women is funny. He’s saying that the absurdity of a man (Sark) hitting a woman (Holly) is funny," he wrote on X.

"Everyone is acting like they don’t understand dark humor and how things can be funny that we don’t agree with.”

Manning, or his team, have yet to address these comments publicly.

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