Auburn Off-Road
Team Roster
Auburn Off-Road is led by students who work together to design, build, test, and race our Baja SAE car.
Leadership
2026–2027 Team Leads
Team Captain
Jacob Zinn
Jacob Zinn is the Team Captain of Auburn University’s Off-Road team and a junior studying Mechanical Engineering. He has a strong interest in engines, automotive work, and the pulp and paper industry. Jacob is excited to work with the team leads this year and help make the 2027 car the best it can be.
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Operations Lead
Breckin “Jul” King
Breckin “Jul” King is the Operations Lead for Auburn Off-Road and a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering. He is from Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, and enjoys machining and manufacturing for the team, as well as participating in the design process.
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Frame Lead
Austin Diaz
Austin Diaz is the Frame Lead for Auburn Off-Road and is studying Mechanical Engineering. He is from Niceville, Florida, and has a strong interest in manufacturing, machinery, design, and hands-on fabrication. Austin is currently interning at International Paper as a Reliability Engineering Intern. Outside of Baja, he enjoys working on cars, hunting, and fishing.
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Drivetrain Lead
Kate Franklin
Kate Franklin is the Drivetrain Lead for Auburn Off-Road and a junior studying Mechanical Engineering. She is from Nashville, Tennessee, and has a strong interest in manufacturing and design. This is her second year serving as Drivetrain Lead, and she is excited to design an even better system for the 2027 car. War Eagle!
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Suspension Lead
Eden Nickolson
Eden Nickolson is the Suspension Lead for Auburn Off-Road and a junior studying Mechanical Engineering. She served as Suspension Lead last year and is excited to continue in this role while helping make the 2027 car even better. Eden is currently working with Honda Automotive to learn more about the automotive industry and bring that experience back to the Baja team.
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Business Lead
Winston Lindley
Winston Lindley is the Business Lead for Auburn Off-Road and a sophomore studying Finance. He is from Franklin, Tennessee, and has a strong interest in real estate development. Winston is excited to begin his first year as Business Lead and looks forward to helping Auburn Off-Road fund its best season yet.
LinkedInTeam Roles
Additional Team Members
Anna Payne
Head of Social Media
Alexander McClory
Head Welder
Matthew Barborka
Head Welder
Kyle Donohue
Lead Driver
Joshua Cooprider
Electrical & Wiring
Jake Turner
Brakes
Members