Auburn Off-Road
2026–2027 Team Roster
Meet the student leaders helping design, build, test, and race Auburn Off-Road’s 2027 Baja SAE car.
Team Leadership
Our Leads
Jacob Zinn
Team Captain
LinkedInJacob Zinn is the Team Captain of Auburn University’s Off-Road team and a junior studying Mechanical Engineering from Chesapeake, Virginia. 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.
Breckin “Jul” King
Operations Lead
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.
Eden Nickolson
Suspension Lead
LinkedInEden 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.
Austin Diaz
Frame Lead
LinkedInAustin 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.
Kate Franklin
Drivetrain Lead
LinkedInKate 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!
Winston Lindley
Business Lead
LinkedInWinston 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.
Additional Team Roles
Team Members
Media & Outreach
- Anna Payne — Head of Social Media
Manufacturing
- Alexander McClory — Head Welder
- Matthew Barborka — Manufacturer
Vehicle Systems
- Kyle Donohue — Lead Driver
- Joshua Cooprider — Electrical & Wiring
- Jake Turner — Brakes