ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe stands on the sidelines before the Indiana Hoosiers versus the Miami Hurricanes College Football Playoff National Championship Game Presented by AT&T on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.

ESPN veteran Holly Rowe has broken her silence after Texas quarterback Arch Manning issued a public apology for laughing at a viral AI video.

Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian appeared to snub Rowe, who was trying to conduct the post-game interview, in a move that has sparked widespread debate.

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

Texas had just completed the largest comeback in program history, putting up 20 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to take down No.1 Ohio State.

“That’s called Texas fight! That’s called Texas fight! Hook ’em!” Sarkisian said before throwing up the horns and running away.

Some speculated that Sarkisian didn't do the interview because he had waited patiently at halftime while ESPN attempted to fix a technical glitch.

Ahead of Texas' Week 3 matchup against UTSA on Saturday, Manning conducted his media availability and was asked about the 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 an AI video of Sarkisian appearing to push Rowe after yelling "Hook ‘em" in her face, which did not happen after the game.

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

Manning's comments sparked huge backlash from both media personnel and fans, leading the 22-year-old to issue an apology.

"I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments," he wrote Tuesday.

"I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment.

"I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward."

Manning's recent comments have led to a huge debate ensuing
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Manning released an apology after his comments drew extreme backlashCredit: Getty
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

Rowe accepts Manning's apology

The ESPN reporter subsequently responded to Manning’s apology and acknowledged his statement.

"Thank you, Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private. Apology accepted," Rowe wrote on Tuesday.

"We move forward with respect and kindness for one another."

Rowe has worked at the 'Worldwide Leader in Sports' since 1995 and has been a full-time college football sideline reporter since 1998.

She is universally regarded as one of the most respected figures in sports media.

Rowe’s resume boasts an Emmy Award for Outstanding Personality/Reporter alongside the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award.

Holly Rowe of ESPN looks on before a 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma.
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Rowe, who has worked at ESPN since 1995, accepted Manning's apologyCredit: Getty

With an apology delivered and accepted, Manning, who is expected to lead a loaded QB class of 2027, and Texas now shift their attention back to the field as they prepare to host UTSA on Saturday night.

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