iStockphoto / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Fans demand NIL partners drop Arch Manning.
Arch Manning is under fire for recent comments made about an AI video that depicted head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping sideline reporter Holly Rowe.
Calls for NIL partners to cut ties with the Texas quarterback are beginning to grow. Many are outraged at his reaction to the clip.
“I saw the AI Edit of (Sark) slapping Holly Rowe.”
I asked Arch Manning if he’d seen any edits on TikTok or Twitter after the game, and his answer is gold. pic.twitter.com/70FnNCVEHb
— Evan Vieth (@EvanVieth) September 14, 2026
While I think Manning was more laughing at the absurdity of the fake video as opposed to condoning violence against women, the optics are poor. His response was immature, and it’s resulted in heavy criticism.
It could very well have financial impacts.
Demands for NIL partners to cut ties with Arch Manning are loud.
Arch Manning is the most marketable player in college football. He is a Heisman trophy candidate with a notable last name that plays in one of the sport’s biggest markets.
As a result, he’s been able to rack up noteworthy NIL deals to include brands like Red Bull, Topps, Panini America, Google Gemini, Uber/Waymo, Vuori, and Warby Parker.
The signal caller’s comments about the Holly Rowe video quickly went viral on social media. Those offended are now flooding Manning’s brand partners’ accounts. They demand action, or else they’ll take their business elsewhere.
Instagram / Vuori
Vuori partners with Texas QB Arch Manning.
Above is the recent reaction on an Instagram post highlighting apparel brand Vuori’s partnership with Arch Manning. A similar response can be seen below on the quarterback’s brand deal with Warby Parker.
Instagram / Warby Parker
Warby Parker partners with Texas QB Arch Manning.
Comments can be found below each of Manning’s marketing posts involving major brands. We’ve seen how these types of controversies can impact sports companies and figures.
Good Good Golf recently lost a partnership with Callaway and the PGA Tour due a marketing video gone wrong, which was interpreted as a promotion of violence against women.
There has been a similar reaction to Arch Manning’s viral comments about the AI video featuring Holly Rowe and Steve Sarkisian. Many are not happy about his response.
The backlash is now extending to NIL partners. We’ll see if anyone listens to the social media demands.