Arch Manning and Holly Rowe have a history. The former tried to extend an olive branch to the latter after Texas’ win over Ole Miss in Austin on Saturday.
His friendly quip did not appear to land.
ESPN’s veteran college football sideline reporter made a face that I do not think she intended to make air. It was awkward.
Arch Manning created a controversy.
Texas defeated Ohio State at home on Sept. 12. Head coach Steve Sarkisian did not give Holly Rowe the opportunity to ask a few questions for television during the standard postgame interview. He blew her off to go celebrate with his team. She was pissed.
Steve Sarkisian being a bit of a pain for reporters tonight. Holly Rowe obviously upset by Sark blowing off the interview…
— Watch The Tape (@WatchTheTapeNFL) September 13, 2026
"TEXAS FIGHT, HOOKEM" pic.twitter.com/vQ8BvVUGqm
The awkward moment went extremely viral on social media. Sarkisian drew criticism. Rowe drew criticism. Everybody had an opinion.
Some of the backlash was not real. Literally. Users on social media created AI edits of the tense exchange. One of the AI-generated videos showed Sarkisian slap Rowe in the face.
Arch Manning admitted that he found that specific video of the fake slap to be funny. His reaction to the video sparked widespread backlash, which forced him to issue an apology. Rowe responded with a Dolly Parton quote about “being a good human.” She later spoke with the quarterback via phone and accepted his apology.
Eli Manning offered advice to his nephew on how to deal with the media. Arch kept his answers extremely short and did not show any personality during his next media obligation.
And then Rowe was assigned to a second Texas game at the end of September. And then she was assigned to a third Texas game on Saturday!
Holly Rowe made a face.
The Longhorns won all three of their games with Holly Rowe in attendance. That includes the win over the Rebels.
Texas jumped out to a dominant 24-3 lead at halftime and barely held off a roaring comeback during the second half to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive. Arch Manning, despite his two interceptions, was quite joyous in victory.
He spoke to Rowe on the field after the game. In doing so, the true senior quarterback joked that she should cover more of their games because they are 3-0 when she is on assignment. Manning had a big smile on his face. It was his attempt to further mend the relationship after the whole slap controversy last month.
"Whatever it takes." 😤
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 25, 2026
Arch Manning and @TexasFootball get a BIG win over No. 7 Ole Miss 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WxPMYFtlbE
If you watch closely, you will notice Rowe’s face at the end of the interview. Manning had already run off. She must’ve thought she was no longer on camera. It was not a happy face!