IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Things could get a bit awkward during Texas’ upcoming game against Tennessee.
On Monday, ESPN revealed that Holly Rowe would be the assigned sideline reporter for the game.
On the call for Tennessee-Texas on ABC: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe
— Ryan Schumpert (@ryanschumpert00) September 21, 2026
Rowe’s assignment comes two weeks after she appeared to get snubbed by Sarkisian during his postgame interview.
Steve Sarkisian blew off the postgame interview with Holly Rowe to go celebrate with his team.
Big deal, little deal or no deal? pic.twitter.com/dRJit6DYRq
— SEC Unfiltered (@SECUnfiltered) September 13, 2026
Later in the week, Arch Manning found himself in hot water when he admitted he laughed at an AI video of Rowe getting slapped by Sarkisian, which led him to apologize to her.
“Have you seen that one of him slapping Holly Rowe? That’s a good one, it’s hilarious.”
“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
Manning eventually apologized to Rowe over his joke.
“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it. It’s easy to say I didn’t mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that.”
Despite the controversies, Texas doesn’t believe there will be any issues with Rowe working the sideline on Saturday.
Via Sport and State
Inside the Texas athletic department, the belief is that there will be “no issues here” if and when Rowe approaches either coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning for interviews in Knoxville, according to John Bianco, Texas Senior Associate Athletics Director, Communications.
When asked by Sport & State if he expects Sarkisian and Manning to participate in the interviews, Bianco responded simply “yes.” He also acknowledged that customary meetings between the broadcast team and Texas staff are happening as normal.