The poll was released Monday morning by the Dallas Associated Press bureau.
The Lions, who defeated Lufkin 35-21, on Friday received 20 of the 23 first-place votes by writers and broadcasters around the state.
JT was No. 3 in the preseason poll, but jumped to the top spot after No. 1 Denton Guyer fell to Cedar Hill (54-28) and No. 2 Cedar Park lost to Austin Westlake (21-7).
Aledo is the new No. 2 team in 4A, followed by Pearland Dawson, Leander and Angleton.
Guyer fell to seventh, while Cedar Park is eighth.
In Class 5A, Lake Travis took over No. 1 after previously top-ranked Southlake Carroll fell to Allen 24-0.
La Marque takes over No. 1 in Class 3A after Stephenville fell to Monterrey Tech, Mexico, 27-17.
Coldspring-Oakhurst is No. 2. Carthage, after falling to Jacksonville 34-30, fell to ninth from third. The Bulldogs are tied with Gilmer as the Buckeyes entered the poll after a 31-17 win over Atlanta.
In Class 2A, Refugio received all 21 first-place votes to top the poll. Cameron Yoe is second. Tatum is fifth, while Corsicana Mildred enters the poll at No. 9. Daingerfield, which lost to Gladewater 31-14, fell from third to 10th.
Mart is still No. 1 in Class 1A, but it is a tight race ahead of Stamford and Munday.