Wisconsin running back Montee Ball, a preseason favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, was hospitalized after what police categorize as an “unprovoked attack” near the Madison campus early this morning. He may have suffered a concussion, but had no other apparent injuries.

Ball was treated at a local hospital and released, according to a UW statement.

According to a Madison police news release, witnesses said five men jumped Ball about 2:15 a.m. in the 500 block of University Avenue, knocking him to the ground and kicking him.

"It does not appear he knew his attackers and this is being investigated as an unprovoked assault," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain in the release.

Ball was with his parents and "feeling a little better" late Wednesday morning, according to a source close to the family.

Ball is expected to make a full recovery and indicated that he’ll be back on the field sooner rather than later.

"You have no idea how ready I am for this fall," he posted on his Twitter account.