Radford football ready to build in Year No. 2 under Mason Manuma

HONOLULU — The first year of any coaching tenure often comes with a steep learning curve.

For Radford coach Mason Manuma, the 2025 season was as much about learning the demands of leading his alma mater as it was about wins and losses. Now entering his second season at the helm, the 2013 Radford graduate believes both he and the Rams are better prepared to take the next step.

“I was just able to get the feel for myself in this new position and get all the nerves out,” Manuma said. “I think the biggest thing was the expectations I had for myself. I was super hard on myself. Now I’m able to be more comfortable in this role.”

Radford finished 2-7 overall and 2-5 in OIA Division I play in 2025, but the record did not tell the full story. The Rams opened the season with a 39-36 loss to Iolani before ending the year with another close defeat, falling 24-17 to rival Moanalua. Both games underscored how close the program was to turning competitive performances into victories.

Rather than overhaul the program’s identity, Manuma has emphasized reinforcing the values he believes have long defined Radford football.

“We have a longstanding tradition and expectation within ourselves of just playing hard-nosed football,” Manuma said. “Not too much rah-rah, flashy stuff. Just putting our head down, putting our shoulder to the wheel and working, just grinding and letting our success speak for itself.”

Radford head coach Mason Manuma looks on during a Radford practice before the 2026 season. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Among the Rams’ biggest returning pieces is sophomore running back and edge rusher Silas Schulz, who emerged as one of the team’s most dynamic athletes despite battling injuries during his freshman season.

Schulz missed much of last year with a torn meniscus before returning for the final two games, providing an immediate spark. Manuma expects a healthy offseason to translate into a breakout campaign while also challenging the sophomore to become one of the team’s leaders.

“I’m expecting big things from him both on and off the field,” Manuma said. “Last year we had a lot of older leaders who left, whether it was graduation or military moves. Being healthy this season, I expect him to be a leader and make a big impact.”

Schulz said he believes the Rams have adopted a stronger work ethic entering the season.

“I feel great, just getting ready for the season,” Schulz said. “Last year was a little bit of a fluke season, but this year everybody’s coming ready to work. I think we’re going to have a great season.”

He credited the team’s offseason commitment for creating a more unified group.

Radford sophomore Silas Schulz runs the ball during practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“It all starts with giving glory to God first and foremost,” Schulz said. “Then we have to put in the work as a team instead of individuals. Everybody has to do their job, and if somebody doesn’t do their job, you’ve got to pick up their slack.”

Senior quarterback and defensive lineman Wiggy Tauanuu also returns to provide experience on both sides of the ball as Radford looks to improve its consistency.

Offensively, Manuma said the Rams won’t force an identity but instead adapt to their personnel and opponents.

“Our offensive play style is take what they give us,” Manuma said. “We have a lot of young weapons that will step up big time for us.”

Like many military-area schools, Radford’s roster changes from year to year as families relocate, creating a unique challenge for building continuity. Manuma said the coaching staff embraces that reality rather than worrying about long-term roster stability.

“It’s almost like the lottery of what we get,” Manuma said. “This year we have more military kids than last year, and it’s a credit to their upbringing. They’re hard-nosed, disciplined kids. We always say, ‘Be where your feet are.’ Whether we have them for one year, two years or all four, we want to maximize our potential during that time.”

The Radford Rams get ready before a practice in the 2026 season. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Schulz believes those military families naturally fit the culture the Rams are trying to build.

“A lot of the kids come from military homes, and their parents teach them discipline, respect and responsibility,” Schulz said. “That fits right into the Radford program.”

With a year of experience together and several key contributors returning, the Rams believe the foundation established in Manuma’s first season can begin producing more victories in 2026.

Radford opens the season at home against Castle on Friday, August 7.