The mark of a true franchise quarterback in football is simple: when things aren’t going well, he still finds a way to win.

No one knows if Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will become a franchise quarterback in the NFL. But Sunday’s showdown against Penn State revealed key traits that suggest he could be.

And that should thrill the New York Jets, who were in attendance to witness the performance.

On the road against a reeling Penn State team, Mendoza struggled for much of the day, completing 19 of 30 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, he led a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minute, featuring multiple big-time throws.

Mendoza’s game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute lifted Indiana past the Nittany Lions and kept the Hoosiers’ undefeated season alive as the No. 2 team in the country.

The Jets’ front office, fully in attendance in Happy Valley on Saturday, had to be encouraged by what they saw.

General manager Darren Mougey was among a large contingent in the building.

Why Mendoza is a strong fit for the Jets

The stat line wasn’t spectacular, but Mendoza led his team to a game-winning drive when it mattered most.

That should be music to the ears of the Jets’ brass.

New York needs a quarterback who can throw with anticipation and operate within offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s system, and who won’t be rattled by the bright lights of New York.

Through 10 games at Indiana, Mendoza has shown those traits. The Hoosiers have never been known as a football powerhouse. Yet, in his first season as the starter, Mendoza has Indiana in national championship contention.

The 22-year-old has thrown for 26 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing over 71 percent of his passes. He’s also started more than 30 games at the college level — experience that gives him polish few prospects have.

Mendoza throws with the kind of anticipation Engstrand’s offense demands. Behind a capable offensive line, he could thrive in New York — if the Jets are in position to draft him early enough.

Draft profile

Mendoza’s NFL comparison, according to several league scouts, is Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. The former No. 1 overall pick, now thriving in the Motor City, has led Detroit to multiple playoff runs, including an NFC title game appearance.

If Mendoza projects to that kind of player, that’s something every Jets fan should embrace.

He doesn’t have elite arm strength compared to other college quarterbacks, but his subtle athleticism and advanced anticipation make him a strong prospect. Competing in the Big Ten has also tested him against some of the nation’s best defenses.

Is he a “can’t-miss” prospect like Caleb Williams, Andrew Luck, or Peyton Manning? No. Mendoza isn’t that level of generational talent.

But the Jets don’t need perfection — they need competence. They need a quarterback who wins, makes sound decisions, and commands an offense.

There isn’t a better quarterback in college football to do that for an organization like New York than Mendoza.