Arch Manning gave ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe a reason to laugh after Texas stunned Ole Miss, joking that she should be assigned to more of the Longhorns’ games this season.
“I think you need to start doing our games more,” an elated Manning told Rowe after Texas moved to 5-2 with a 34-27 victory in Austin. “We’re 3-0 with you this year.”
Rowe has found herself at the center of several memorable postgame moments involving Texas this season, and she appeared happy to accept Manning’s proposal.
“Hey,” Rowe replied, “we’ll take it.”
The playful exchange stood in sharp contrast to Rowe’s tense interview with Texas coach Steve Sarkisian after the Longhorns upset then-No. 1 Ohio State on September 12. That awkward conversation later inspired viral AI-generated clips, including a fake video showing Sarkisian striking Rowe. Manning referred to the incident jokingly while speaking with reporters, then apologized publicly to the ESPN journalist.
This time, however, Manning and Rowe were laughing together as Texas celebrated an important SEC win over Ole Miss on Saturday in Austin.
Manning noted that Texas has won all three games covered by Rowe this season
Rowe, who has been part of several headline-making Longhorns moments this season, laughed as Manning walked away after extending his invitation
Manning’s performance was uneven. He threw two interceptions and was sacked twice, but he also accounted for three touchdowns, running for two and passing for one. Texas controlled possession for roughly 10 more minutes than the Rebels.
“Our defense came in clutch, that’s what it’s all about,” Manning told Rowe after the game.
Manning entered the matchup facing questions about his form at quarterback. Sarkisian had recently increased the number of first-team practice snaps given to backup KJ Lacey as the starter worked through a difficult stretch.
Still, after Texas held off Ole Miss’ late rally, Manning appeared to strengthen his position atop the depth chart. The victory came against the school where his grandfather Archie and uncle Eli Manning played.
Texas nearly let a 10-point advantage disappear during a frantic final two minutes. Emmett Mosley IV failed to secure an onside kick, allowing Ole Miss to recover and extend the game. On the final play, Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw toward the end zone, but Texas safety Jelani McDonald intercepted the pass.
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Texas coach Steve Sarkisian talks with Manning on the sideline during the win over Ole Miss in Austin
Running back Raleek Brown powered Texas with 157 rushing yards, highlighted by a 47-yard burst that set up Manning’s 1-yard touchdown run. Manning kept the ball on a deceptive fake handoff and walked untouched around the edge to give the Longhorns a 31-24 lead.
The victory also eased the criticism surrounding Manning and Sarkisian after Texas suffered back-to-back losses to unranked opponents and fell from the No. 1 ranking. The Longhorns improved to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play.
A third consecutive defeat after building another double-digit lead would have intensified the pressure on the program. Instead, Texas avoided a damaging collapse and secured a statement win.
Ole Miss, now 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the SEC, erased a 24-3 halftime deficit. Chambliss connected with Horatio Fields for two touchdown passes, while Kam Franklin’s recovery of a Manning fumble in the end zone helped fuel the Rebels’ comeback.
Texas opened the second half with possession after stopping Ole Miss near the goal line just before halftime. But Manning was hit from behind by Blake Purchase, causing the ball to come loose. Franklin recovered it at the 5-yard line, briefly lost control and then secured it in the end zone for the Rebels.
Manning used his running ability to score twice on the ground against Ole Miss
On the next possession, Franklin hit Manning head-on for a sack that put Texas in third-and-16 and sent Manning to the sideline for a medical check.
He tried to come back but was forced to sit for the play. Texas punted after a handoff from backup KJ Lacey Jr. Manning returned on the next series.
Defensive penalties by Texas fueled the drive to Fields’ 6-yard touchdown catch as the Longhorns finished with season highs of 14 penalties for 121 yards.
Fields made a nice contested catch in the end zone from 27 yards to get the Rebels even at 24 early in the fourth.
It was a rough night for Texas receiver Cam Coleman. The high-priced Auburn transfer dropped what should have been an easy 59-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. On the first play of the second half, he fell hard on his left shoulder trying to make a diving catch and had to be helped to the sideline.
