When it comes to offense, it’s hard to get by without having a good set of triplets. Having a good quarterback, running back or wide receiver can help make a good option. When you have all three, your offense can become elite. 

Just look across college football. Mixing Kyler Murray, Kennedy Brooks and Marquise Brown allowed Oklahoma to have the top offense in college football. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne and Justyn Ross are perhaps the top group of returners; no coincidence, the Tigers are No. 1 in most preseason rankings. 

There are 47 teams in the state that play college football – we considered all of them. Ultimately, a few came to the top. Experience plays a major role, but we’re happy to project if we feel like the talent is there. Here are the top five triplets in Texas college football.

5. SMU Mustangs

Members: Shane Buechele-Xavier Jones-James Proche

Out of our picks, SMU requires the most projection. Shane Buechele was fantastic for Texas in 2016, but fell behind Sam Ehlinger over the last two seasons. Xavier Jones rushed for 1,000 yards in 2017, but struggled between injuries and inconsistent line play in 2018. James Proche is the one sure thing. If the former two can recapture their magic from previous seasons, SMU could become a conference contender. 

4. Sam Houston State Bearkats

Members: Ty Brock-Kyran Jackson-Nathan Stewart

Sam Houston State had a down season in 2018, but the Bearkat triplets should make sure there isn’t a repeat in 2019. Ty Brock took over at quarterback with eight games remaining and reinvigorated the offense. He has one of the nation’s best targets in All-American wide receiver Nathan Stewart. Kyran Jackson emerged as a big-time running back down the stretch, rushing for 809 yards and eight touchdowns in a breakout sophomore year.

3. Houston Cougars

Members: D’Eriq King-Patrick Carr-Marquez Stevenson

D’Eriq King is, at absolute worst, the third quarterback in the state and a top 10 quarterback in the country. He’s probably even better than that. Top target Marquez Stevenson posted 75 receptions and 1,019 yards in a breakout sophomore season, and is poised for even bigger things in 2019. Patrick Carr broke out for 868 yards as a junior, and should continue to grow under run-friendly head coach Dana Holgorsen. 

2. Texas Longhorns

Members: Sam Ehlinger-Keontay Ingram-Collin Johnson

Sam Ehlinger is the most high-profile quarterback in the state for a reason. A season ago, he became the first Texas quarterback to throw for 25 touchdowns and rush for 15. One of his favorite targets, Collin Johnson, is back with him. Keontay Ingram is poised for a breakout season too; if he doesn’t, Jordan Whittington will. More pressure will be on the offense’s shoulders in 2019, as the defense works through some youth. But still, there’s a reason the Longhorns are projected as a top 10 team – the talent is there. 

1. North Texas Mean Green

Members: Mason Fine-DeAndre Torrey-Rico Bussey

Mason Fine is the best quarterback in the state. DeAndre Torrey is the most productive returning running back in the state. Rico Bussey is a returning 1,000-yard receiver. Mix in some expert play calling from Seth Littrell and new offensive coordinator Bodie Reeder and you have the makings for potentially the top offense in the state. 

Honorable Mention

• Prairie View A&M: Jalen Morton-Dawonya Tucker-Tristen Wallace

• Baylor: Charlie Brewer-John Lovett-Denzel Mims

• Texas A&M: Kellen Mond-Jashaun Corbin-Quartney Davis