There was Mike Hart in 2007.

And then there was Chase Winovich in 2018.

In 2024, Colston Loveland continued the trend of Michigan football players describing Michigan State as "little brother" after the 117th matchup in the in-state rivalry. The Wolverines beat the Spartans, 24-17, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

The rival teams fought on the field after the game ended, with Loveland in the middle of it.

WATCH: Michigan vs. Michigan State fight: 'Disappointing' clash breaks out after Wolverines win

"Little bro stay doing little bro things," Loveland told Big Ten Network immediately after the game. "MSU, the little bro. They can do whatever they want. We knew it was going to get chippy. Everything within the confines of the game, we do right, and then after the game, they want to get busy, we'll get busy."

Later on, Loveland addressed the fight again.

"I kind of got carried away there at the end," Loveland told reporters. "Kind of did some shoving and stuff but you know that's how the rivalry gets. It's all just heat of the moment coming off two losses, really needed this one, so just kind of got excited. We respect every opponent we play, they are a great football team."

THE GAME: Michigan football unleashes bag of tricks to knock off Michigan State, 24-17

Loveland, whom Michigan head coach Sherone Moore compared to NFL superstar Travis Kelce, is projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. He recorded six receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns against the Spartans, increasing his season-long totals to 411 yards and four touchdowns in seven games.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan tight end Colston Loveland calls Michigan State 'little bro'