Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian’s interaction with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe at the end of the team’s comeback win over the Ohio State Buckeyes was a viral moment Saturday night into Sunday.
Arch Manning, who guided Texas to the 24-23 victory, was asked about the moment on Monday as the Longhorns prepared for UTSA at home this weekend. He said he saw some AI edits of the brief interview.
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Texas quarterback Arch Manning warms up before an NCAA college football game against Ohio State in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
“I’ve seen a few AI edits of stuff but that’s about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview. Have you all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe?” he said with a laugh and a smile.
The 22-year-old quarterback immediately came under scrutiny on social media for his comments. At least one AI video showed Sarkisian hitting Rowe after yelling “Hook ‘em” in her face, which didn’t actually happen after the game.
OutKick reached out to ESPN for comment.
Sarkisian had a few words for Rowe after Texas completed the comeback.
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Texas quarterback Arch Manning was sacked for a loss by Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
“Texas fight, hook ‘em,” he said before running back to celebrate with his team.
Overall, it appeared to be a frustrating night for Sarkisian. ESPN’s Laura Rutledge said at halftime that technical issues forced Sarkisian to wait a while before a halftime interview could begin. However, it took too long and he needed to prepare for the next half.
“I do want to make sure we clear something up. (Sarkisian) did decline the interview at the half. He had waited a long time, been very patient with some technical issues that we had. He apologized to us. We should be apologizing to him, which we did,” she said.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, center, celebrates with his players after their win over Ohio State in an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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With the victory, Texas was boosted to No. 1 in the Associated Press poll. The Longhorns were as high as No. 1 to start last season but the team lost to the Buckeyes out of the gate and were dropped to seventh.