I keep forgetting there is another portal period in the spring.

I think this matters because coach Kelly is being very selective about the players he takes in the portal and he simply hasn't seen a ton of good, to elite, prospects. In short BK prolly knows that he'll get another bite at the apple.

The portal is still so new. The coaching staff is having to learn on the fly how to best navigate the portal. Perhaps the plan of not spending all your dollars in December is the best course of action.

Additionally, he might have knowledge of a player who wants to transfer but also wants to play in his bowl game, including players that are competing in the playoff.

I don't pretend to know BK's plan. There's much more that goes on behind the scenes that, it appears, is purposefully kept from the average fan (me).