Johnny Manziel wants to go back to where it all started … telling TMZ Sports he'd love to return to the Texas A&M football program in some capacity.

Manziel was nothing short of a legend at College Station in 2012 and 2013 … winning the Heisman trophy and becoming a household name with his highlight plays and unapologetic attitude.

Johnny — who is set to suit up for Fan Controlled Football this season — tells us he misses the sport … and while a return to the NFL is out of the question, he wants to find another way to stay involved.