Tyler Parker, 2025 viral sensation nicknamed 'Teen Hulk,' blown away by 'really special' USC Trojans visit
Santa Margarita Catholic (California) defensive lineman Tyler Parker has already had quite a journey during the recruiting process.
A shirtless photo of the high school sophomore went viral, which led to dozens of nationally-distributed articles, the nickname "Teen Hulk" and an appearance on "Access Hollywood."
The 6-foot, 300-pound lineman also holds early offers from Arizona, California, Colorado, Miami, Notre Dame and others.
Over the weekend, however, Parker checked off another major feat, taking his first trip to USC.
It's safe to say it won't be his last.
"It was really special," he said. "It was just really special for me to be a part of that. It showed that USC has major interest in me and wants me to stay home. They invited me to a big event with a lot of their guys."
Coming into the trip, Parker was already excited because he'd never been to a college football game.
But once he arrived on campus he quickly realized it was an important recruiting weekend at USC, which made it even more impressive.
"I did not understand that this was a big recruiting weekend at first," Parker said. "I thought it was just another visit. But I loved it all. They showed me amazing hospitality. I was there will my niece and my mother. They showed me a lot, they knew who I was immediately and took care of me and my family very well. I had fun with some people that I know and made new connections. It was an unreal experience."
For Parker, the invitation was a sign that USC is taking his recruitment very seriously - and he feels similarly.
"I've been building that connection, and USC is, for sure in my top," he said. "I love California. I would love to stay home. I just love the culture overall."
Parker doesn't yet have an offer from USC, but he considers it one of the offers he wants to earn the most.
"That's one of the offers I can genuinely say I really do want," he said.
"Teen Hulk" has quickly established himself as one of the most recognizable high school athletes in California.
But he hopes his on-field talent is what leads to a USC offer soon.
