College football: 25 biggest what-ifs of the 2010s

College football: 2010s biggest what-ifs: 24. Johnny Manziel grows up

Immaturity issues plagued Johnny Manziel for much of his tenure with Texas A&M. Make no mistake about it, Manziel was a terrific player. In fact, arguably no single player in college football history burst onto the scene with more pizazz and swagger.

Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman trophy. He spent two years at A&M and wrecked just about every team in his path. At no point though, was A&M considered a title threat, just more so a fan team with talented players such as Manziel and Mike Evans.

Ultimately, Manziel struggled at the next level when he was drafted in 2014. But what if he stayed, continued to mature and refine his skills?

Manziel’s time in college felt like a short but wild ride. He was boisterous and displayed an incredible amount of hubris. But what if he stopped showing off, stopped talking about money and the NFL and just stayed longer in college under the tutelage of Kevin Sumlin? Could Texas A&M have contended for a National Championship with a more mature Manziel? Considering that they gave teams fits, including almighty Alabama, there’s a good chance Manziel could’ve added the ultimate team prize at the end of the year.