These are our annual Pac-12 triplet rankings. We've selected a trio of skill players from each team in the conference.

The rules: Each player comes from a different position group, so the offensive version of this series features a quarterback, a running back and a wide receiver. Each program's troika is ranked against the others in the Pac-12, and we'll be unveiling and writing about each in reverse-countdown order. Remember that this is not an all-inclusive offensive ranking but rather only one of each team's triplets.

Note: For teams that haven't selected a starter at the quarterback position, you'll notice that we've kept things open-ended with who's competing for the starting job.

We conclude our offensive rankings with No. 1 USC.

QB Sam Darnold: He's the Pac-12's best quarterback. The Trojans inserted Darnold into the starter's role after their third game last season, and their offense immediately roared to life. Throughout the regular season, Darnold's single-game completion percentage dipped under 65 only once -- to 62.5 percent in a rout of Arizona. He tossed 31 touchdown passes, used his legs effectively, showed remarkable pocket awareness for a freshman and posted the second-highest QBR in the nation, behind only Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield. Darnold's final act -- a 453-yard, five-touchdown performance to lead USC from behind in the Rose Bowl against Penn State -- set the table for 2017.

RB Ronald Jones II: The Trojans never seem to lack talent in the backfield. Jones, electric as ever, racked up 1,082 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry as a sophomore in 2016. Given Darnold's return as a passing counter-threat, Jones should post big numbers again this season. Though backfield mate Justin Davis has exhausted his eligibility, more talent awaits to keep Jones fresh: Aca'Cedric Ware and Dominic Davis are just two of the reserves who should see carries in 2017.

WR Deontay Burnett: Considering the losses of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Darreus Rogers, this is the one skill position where folks might be slightly concerned about the Trojans moving forward. But Burnett's performance to close last season should assuage many -- if not all -- of those fears. The sophomore caught 13 passes for 164 yards and three massive touchdowns in the Rose Bowl, showcasing the excellent rapport he'd built with Darnold. Based on that sterling performance, a 1,000-yard season isn't out of the question for Burnett in 2017, especially if he seizes the opportunity to be USC's primary receiver.

Verdict: The talent at all three of these positions is excellent. Most significantly, Darnold has already shown he is the ideal player to harness all of this skill and make sure USC doesn't waste it. His command of the pocket allowed for an efficient utilization of all his weapons. The Trojans do face some questions along the offensive line, and they certainly need targets to take some attention away from Burnett, but this trio should draw envy from other teams.