Paul Finebaum defends Arch Manning, blasts Texas media for Holly Rowe AI video question

Following a thrilling college football win for Texas over Ohio State, Arch Manning and his Longhorn teammate were electric. Their head coach was also high on emotion, to the point that he blew off ESPN's Holly Rowe. The moment created plenty of backlash and eventually pulled Manning into the controversy.

After being asked about an AI video depicting Steve Sarkisian striking Rowe, Manning laughed and confirmed that he had seen it. The moment sparked even more backlash toward Texas. Manning later apologized to Rowe and appeared to take a much more conservative approach during subsequent media sessions.

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The situation has sparked plenty of conversation and criticism surrounding Manning. However, ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum blasted the media members who put Manning in that position and defended the Texas quarterback.

Analyst and radio show host Paul Finebaum during the SEC Nation pregame show set before the UK-Alabama football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 in Lexington, Ky. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

"Arch made fools out of everybody in that room because they helped make him look like a fool last week with the Holly Rowe situation. They all laughed and he took all of the heat … Don't criticize the subject if you ask stupid and bogus questions, which I heard on most of those … If you ask Arch Manning a pertinent question, maybe he will answer them. If you don't sit there like a bunch of fanboys drooling over his sweat, maybe he'll give something back in return." Finebaum said.

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Tough Lesson for Manning to Learn

Ultimately, this was a tough lesson for Manning to learn, regardless of how he was put in that position. In a world where every word, action and gesture can come under the microscope, Manning's honest answer became fair game.

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Was it really a necessary question? Absolutely not. It involved an AI video that never should have been created, and the question should have been shut down.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to throw during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

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However, Manning answered it, and what transpired was something he was bound to learn from one way or another.

Though he is part of football royalty as a member of the Manning family, no one is immune to these types of media moments. Even his uncle Peyton has had a few interesting mic'd-up moments throughout his NFL career.

This page will soon be turned as Manning and Texas travel to Tennessee for an afternoon SEC showdown. The top-ranked Longhorns can earn a significant win against a College Football Playoff contender as they look to prove they are legitimate contenders this season.

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